Sadie Family Wines Soldaat 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 Swaartland, 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). Vineyard are located in Piekenierskloof on the Paleisheuwel Road.

The most planted red grape variety in the world is Grenache Noir. It has had a long-standing position in South Africa as well, but it must be noted that it is very site specific. In South Africa, the Piekenierskloof Pass, going north to Citrusdal, has in recent years firmly positioned itself as the leading location for Grenache. The Piekenierskloof took its name from the piekeniers (foot soldiers) who were located at the top of the pass of the mountain to protect the lifestock in this part of the old Cape Colony from theft, hence this parcel of vines being named Soldaat (Soldier). The unique climate on the top of the mountain and the altitude are key elements that give us the wonderful ripening conditions to be found in this region. This old, unirrigated vineyard was planted at around 708 meters of altitude in decomposed granite soil with a slight easterly slope. One of the characteristics of Grenache is that it can display fresh, bright red fruit aromas and an earthy minerality that follows through, as opposed to the often over-extracted and alcoholic version that is so often produced. Throughout the vinification process of this wine utmost care is taken to preserve the elegant and refined side of this magnificent grape. Unfined and unfiltered – decanting recommended.

The 2022 Soldaat is Eben Sadies' Grenache from the Citrusdal Mountains, 50% whole clusters with 20 to 28 days on the skins, raised in concrete. It has a captivating bouquet, very oral with pressed rose petals, kirsch, pomegranate and cranberry. The palate has a touch of sour cherry on the entry, very tensile and linear. Yet, there is also disarming purity and cohesion on the nish, very peppery on the sustained aftertaste. Wonderful. 13.18% alcohol. 93 Pts, Neal Martin, Vinous