Rhône theme

Timed Online Auction, 30 January - 10 February 2025

Rhône - South Africa
About the Session

Over the past decade South African Rhône-style offerings have witnessed an explosion in popularity, led by the Swartland in the 2010s and subsequently spreading across the Cape.


Sold for

ZAR 22 278
Lot 49
  • Sadie Family; Columella; 2015; 6 (1 x 6); 750ml


Lot Estimate
ZAR 20 000 - 30 000
Selling Price
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
ZAR 22 278
Location
Wine Storage
Delivery
Delivery within South Africa included
Shipping

About this Item

2015 Columella
6 (1 x 6) 750ml

Columella is named after the ancient Roman writer who produced perhaps the earliest good treatise on viticulture in his De re rustica. Starting in 2000, Eben's goal was to produce the finest expression of the Swartland and today Columella is South Africa's most coveted red wine.

Provenance

Private Client

Critics Ratings

'This sports a core of dark plum and blackberry paste flavors, staying polished and refined in feel, relying more on acidity than tannins, with the structure fully enmeshed in the fruit. Black tea, tobacco and alder hints chime through the finish. Syrah, Mourvèdre, Grenache, Tinta Barroca, Cinsault and Carignan. Best from 2019 through 2023.' - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 94/100 (Feb 2018)

'Respected locally & abroad as one of SA's top reds. 2015 adds tinta barocca to 2014 (93 pts)'s shiraz, mourvèdre, grenache, cinsaut blend; despite the challenge of drought, still exhibits house's authenticity & lattice-like tannin. Unlike previous, slow to open but builds intensity, complexity. Year each in cask (8% new) & old foudre.' - Platter's SA Wine Guide 2018, 4.5* (92/100)

'Complete and with a rich start and then lively and fresh. More layers here than is the South African norm. Feels as though it was built from the ground up.' - Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com, 17.5/20 (Oct 2017)

'Eight vineyards and five Rhône varieties contribute to this breathtaking cuvée. Bramble, liquorice, red and black fruits, incense, pepper and stony minerality are supported by sinewy tannins, stylish oak and incredible focus. Don't be in a hurry to drink this wine. 2020-30.' - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2017, 97/100

'On the nose, cherries, plums raspberry, blueberry and blackberry, lavender, fynbos, liquorice, white pepper and spice. The palate is dense but not too dense with lemon-like acidity and fine tannins. Nothing exaggerated, all of a piece, it transports you to its place of origin and isn't that what great wine does?' - Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 97/100 (Nov 2017)

Greg Sherwood MW, 96+/100 (Dec 2017)

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