Sadie Family Wines Treinspoor 2022

Description

Eben Sadie is the most influential winemaker of his generation in South Africa. Having worked in wineries right around the world in the 1990s (Burgundy, Oregon, Italy, Austria and Germany) he returned to South Africa and started his own label, Sadie Family Wines, in 1999. Its first wine, the Syrah-based Columella 2000, was awarded 5 stars in the Platter Guide. Palladius, its idiosyncratic flagship white, received 5 stars in its third (2004) vintage. Following a period of supporting winemaking projects outside of South Africa he now focuses only on the wines in makes from vineyards in the Swartland, Olifants River and Stellenbosch.

His hard work, attention to detail, diligence on organic farming methods and incredible knowledge of the Western Cape's vinous historical treasures have inspired those that work with him, around him and sell his wines globally. His influence today is prophetic, his wines are profound and extremely sought after. His flagship wines are Columella and Palladius, blends made from all the parcels and varieties he works with, while his Old Vine Series are a brilliant collection of single vineyard wines with evocative names such as Pofadder (Puffadder), Skerpioen (Scorpion), Soldaat (Soldier), T'Voetpad (Footpath), Treinspoor (Traintrack), Skurfberg (rugged mountains) and Kokerboom (Aloe tree).

Eben has worked for ten years with these old bush vines of Tinta Barocca planted in 1974. He highlights that, ‘…it has most probably been the greatest red variety planted in the Swartland... It just transports terroir and the typicality of the site much more successfully than most other red varietals. With its beautiful, round black cherry nose, with blackberries and a herbal lift, the 2020 Treinspoor is so refreshing and mineral. There is a real linear feel to the fine and pure palate of this wine with its sweet blue fruit and line of freshness that cuts right through. The tannins are, once again, immeasurably fine and glide across the tongue like tiny ball bearings. There is a beautiful tension in this wine with nothing heavy at all about it and the juicy, pebbly, mineral finish is sublime.

The 2022 Treinspoor is pure Swartland Tinta Barocca that includes 50% whole clusters, 20 to 28 days on the skins and matured in old foudres. The bouquet is a little plusher on the nose than the Pofadder, with crushed rose petals and fynbos - garrigue. Stunning delineation. The palate is mediumbodied with ligree tannins, perfectly balanced, and a touch of graphite. It’s quite saline on the nish with a pinch of white pepper. All this is delivered at just 13.1% alcohol. Sadie reckons this grape variety is a long-term player, and I've no reason to disagree. Sublime. 97 Pts, Neal Martin, Vinous