2020 Columella
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Tasting notes
From the first sniff, the 2020 Columella is an instant champion that is pointing and swinging for the fence. With its fresh frame of fruit and expertly layered oaky essences, the wine is incredibly complex as it bursts from the glass with precision and finesse. Medium-bodied and with 13.5% alcohol, the Columella somersaults into a phantasmagoria of bright crunchy red fruit flavors and seductive floral essences that makes my head spin. Collectors will take note and add a couple of bottles of this to their cellar. It’s an absolutely stellar bottling that will age gracefully for decades.
Critic scores
Average Score
Neal Martin
Anthony Mueller, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The 2020 Columella is matured for 12 months in regular barriques with 10% new oak and 12 months in foudres . Dark berry fruit, black tea and light tobacco scents, this is finely tuned and focused, just pure class. You cannot ignore the pedigree here. The palate is beautifully balanced with pliant tannins, very sensual and silky smooth in texture, hints of white pepper and thyme developing in the glass. Dry and very focused on the finish. This constitutes one of the finest Columella's that I have tasted.
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