Eben Sadie’s signature red, a multi vineyard, multi varietal blend from across the Swartland. ‘The 2021 Columella is a blend of Rhne varieties, 30% Syrah, the lowest ever, with more Mourvdre, plus Tinta Barocca, 50% whole clusters, spending 12 months in cask (10% new) and 12 months in oldfoudres, bottled with slightly higher CO2 due to less racking. It has a mixture of red and blueberry fruit, touches of aniseed coming through with time. Theres very fine delineation. The medium-bodied palate has a gorgeous opening with blood orange, black pepper and ginger. It’s sleek and less powerful than older vintages, yet it has far more elegance and precision. This is a long-term Columella. 96 points.Drinking Window2026–2052′ Neal Martin, Vinous.com, August 2023

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A founding member of the Swartland Revolution, along with Adi Badenhorst, Chris & Andrea Mullineux and Callie Louw, this is the man at the very heart of Swartland’s old-vine story, the sine qua non of the South African New Wave. It’s a significant day at Swig HQ when Eben’s wines arrive. We like to ogle them, to fondle them, to sing adoring pop ballads in their general direction. We don’t give ourselves a hard time about it – people always act in a silly way in the presence of greatness, and trust us, we’re not the only ones.