2017 Columella
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Tasting notes
The 2017 Columella offers a compelling bouquet with bright and fresh black cherry fruit, laced with rose petal, thyme and tobacco (though less pronounced than I was expecting). Wonderful delineation. The palate is certainly built in a more classical style compared with previous vintages, but what I appreciate is the sustain on the finish, the tannins gently but politely gripping. Very pure, very refined, yet still delivering the horsepower you expect. Great potential. Tasted at the Columella vertical in Hong Kong.
Critic scores
Average Score
Neal Martin
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
The 2017 Columella has an outgoing, intense bouquet, a mixture of red and black fruit mixed with sage, tobacco and thyme, that seems a little smudged initially but gains clarity with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins, plenty of red berry fruit, a generous sprinkling of white pepper and a hint of fennel. Powerful yet refined, and very focused and harmonious on the finish. Gorgeous.
The 2017 Columella begins with a dusty essence and dark-fruited core, that is dusty yet still has a softness to the nose. The palate is expressive with an austere peppery edge that is tightly wound with dusty tannins and a sandy powdering of blackberry, dark cherry and black plum skin. Ethereally structured, the wine has power and precision that is highly complex and will age for decades to come. The finish is shy, yet still having the depth and breadth of a fine wine, that lingers with a firm dusty minerality and tannic grip. Wow! What focus!
About the producer
Since he started making wine under his own name in 2000, Eben Sadie became a cult name in South Africa. The Swartland producer is best known for his flagship Columella and Palladius, but he also makes a range of whites and reds under the Old Vine Series, which became the District Series in 2025.
Product details
Syrah / Shiraz, Grenache/ Garnacha , Cinsault, Carignan
Red
Dry