2023 Sadie Family Treinspoor, Swartland

Intense violet and dried-flower aromas here, combining with blue and black plum fruit, tea leaves, bark and nutmeg. It’s medium-bodied, very fresh and alive, with tight and firm yet almost indiscernible tannins that spread across the palate. Well-framed. Tinta barroca from old bush vines planted in Malmesbury in the Swartland, half destemmed and half whole-cluster fermented. Try from 2026.

95 points jamessuckling.com

Old Vine Series. 13% alc. “It’s a Swartland thing”, notes Sadie of Tinta Barocca (note the S.A. spelling with one r and two c’s), which arrived in South Africa from the Duero and has found an opportune home in the Western Cape. Historically Tinta das Barrocas (the earlier spelling) has always played a prominent role in Swartland’s red blends, though interest in the variety—particularly from the old, dry-grown vineyards—has really spiked in recent years.This vineyard, planted in 1974 and located next to the old railway line (treinspoor), lies four kilometres west of Malmesbury on decomposed granite and sandstone. Sadie notes that while the very fragile, thin skin of Tinta Barocca is prone to sunburn, the old bush vines of this site keep the bunches sheltered from the intense Swartland sun. He likens his Treinspoor to a sort of stylistic cross between northern Rhône Syrah (black cherry/blackcurrant/grenadine fruit, iodine and nettles) and Piedmontese Nebbiolo (spice, flowers, acidity and tannins): “It has Piedmont-like tannins and northern Rhône aromatics” says Eben. Regardless, as you can read below, it’s a brilliant red. It ferments in concrete with 50% whole bunches and is raised for 11 months in large cask. Like all Sadie wines, it is an outstanding, idiosyncratic red of beauty, finesse and character.

Sadie Family Wines is one of South Africa's most acclaimed wineries, known for producing world-class wines that showcase the country's ancient vineyard sites and unique terroir. Founded by visionary winemaker Eben Sadie, the winery has gained international recognition for its meticulous approach to viticulture and winemaking, focusing on expressing the purity and character of South Africa’s old vines. With a strong commitment to sustainable farming and minimal intervention, Sadie Family Wines has set the benchmark for fine wines from the Swartland and beyond.

The winery's portfolio includes sought-after wines such as Columella, a refined and age-worthy red blend, and Palladius, an intricate white blend that brings together various Mediterranean varietals. Other celebrated single-vineyard wines from Sadie Family include Skurfberg, Kokerboom, and Mev. Kirsten, each reflecting the exceptional qualities of their specific sites.

Sadie Family Wines has received numerous prestigious awards and accolades, consistently earning high scores from top wine critics and publications such as Wine Spectator, Decanter, and The Wine Advocate. Eben Sadie has been recognized for his contributions to South African winemaking, including being named Winemaker of the Year and receiving multiple five-star ratings in the Platter's South African Wine Guide. The winery's commitment to excellence has positioned it as a leader in the global fine wine community, with its wines frequently appearing on lists of the world’s best.

These award-winning wines pair beautifully with a variety of dishes. The bold and structured Columella pairs well with grilled red meats and rich stews, while the textural and complex Palladius is a perfect match for roasted poultry, creamy seafood dishes, and Mediterranean cuisine. Each wine offers remarkable aging potential, evolving beautifully over time to reveal even greater complexity and depth.