Critics Ratings

2012 - ‘Evocative 2012 from Perdeberg vines eloquently speaks of the magic of old vines. Nothing out of place, just pure silky red fruit and super-fine tannins. Vast improvement on funky 2011 (2.5 stars). Tiny two-barrel production, like Chenin.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2014, 4.5*

‘David and Nadia Sadie (unrelated to Eben but 'focused on organic vines, native yeasts, older French oak, no enzymes, no acidification, unfined and unfiltered) made just two barrels of this mould-breaking, refreshing Grenache. It is already enjoyable and lifted. Mineral somehow and beautifully balanced, even delicate. Not too sweet. Very appetising. My sole criticism is that it did not develop much in the glass but that is a small one for such a lovingly made wine. A triumph!’ - Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com, 17/20 (Mar 2014)

2013 - ‘Fashionable red grape, here sourced from 3 Swartland blocks (2 organic), 40% bunch pressed. Classy 2013 understated, delicate even, ultra-fine grape tannins cradle lovely limpid fruit. Sadly only 225 cases.’ – Platter's SA Wine Guide, 4.5*

‘Strawberry fruit flavours dominate. Quite sweet and medicinal initially and then very racy and complex on the palate with a hint of something a little bit gamey. Finishes bone dry. I'd love to see this next to a Châteauneuf. Drink 2016-2023.’ – Jancis Robinson, JancisRobinson.com, 17/20 (Aug 2018)

‘The 2013 Grenache comes from granite soils in Paardeberg that are organically farmed. It spent at least one month on the skins and is aged for 11 to 12 months. It has a very perfumed, floral bouquet with scents of redcurrant jus, rose petals, wild heather and burdock. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp acidity: finely tuned, tart red fruit that belie that structure toward the precise finish. Another supremely well-crafted, understated Swartland Grenache courtesy of David Sadie that is a testament to the heights that this variety can achieve in this country.’ – Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, 93/100 (Oct 2014)

2014 - 'Evocative 2012 from Perdeberg vines eloquently speaks of the magic of old vines. Nothing out of place, just pure silky red fruit and super-fine tannins. Vast improvement on funky 2011 (2.5 stars). Tiny two-barrel production, like Chenin.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2014, 4.5*

‘David and Nadia Sadie (unrelated to Eben but 'focused on organic vines, native yeasts, older French oak, no enzymes, no acidification, unfined and unfiltered) made just two barrels of this mould-breaking, refreshing Grenache. It is already enjoyable and lifted. Mineral somehow and beautifully balanced, even delicate. Not too sweet. Very appetising. My sole criticism is that it did not develop much in the glass but that is a small one for such a lovingly made wine. A triumph!’ - Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com, 17/20 (Mar 2014)

2015 - 'Does anyone make a better Grenache in South Africa than David Sadie? Using grapes from three Swartland sites and fermented with 40% whole bunches, it’s sappy, pale, complex and understated, with filigree tannins, summer berry fruit and remarkable precision. Drink: 2016-21' - Tim Atkin SA Wine Report 2016, 94/100

'Enticing, fruity aromas of red cherry and brambly berry set the stage for layers of cola, baking spice and cocoa. The medium-weight palate offers a texture like crushed satin, smooth yet defined, with ample acidity to keep the structure and ripe-fruit flavors from feeling overly dense. The spice returns on the finish and continues alongside a hint of peppery warmth. Drink now–2023' - Wine Enthusiast 2018, 91/100

2016 - ‘The Sadies’ exceptional Grenache comes from three vineyards - one on clay and two on granite - and is aged in larger oak. Spicy and complex, with wild strawberry flavours, plenty of tannic grip, bright acidity and a long, mineral-edged finish. 2018-24.’ - Tim Atkin SA Special Report 2017, 94/100

‘Flavour without heaviness is the refrain throughout these ranges, 2016 is also fruit-filled without being fruity. From 3 Swartland blocks (1 organic), 50% bunch pressed, 11 months older oak. Seamless, and charming in its lightness.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2018, 4.5* (92/100)

‘Pale ruby with a smudge of brick at the rim. A delicate nose, fluttering tissue-paper leaves of plum confit and satsuma and sous bois and biltong. Sweetness and roundness, but with lift and elegance – more Monet watercolours than big watercolour. Such silky tannins! Incredible finesse for Grenache. Soaring.’ - Tamlyn Currin, JancisRobinson.com, 17/20 (Mar 2018) 

2017 - ‘One of a handful of Grenaches that are finally establishing the variety’s claim to greatness in the Cape, this comes from the Paardeberg and Malmesbury. Pale and graceful, with restrained alcohol, some whole bunch spice and fine-grained tannins. Brilliant winemaking. 2019-27.’ - Tim Atkin SA Special Report 2018, 95/100

‘From two vineyards. On skins for four weeks, up to 50% whole bunch. Spends a year in 500-litre barrels. Transparent garnet. Very fresh, grainy and a sweet start – really lively. So appetising! Really textured and super-fresh. Long and satisfying. Both juicy and chewy. Nadia and David may ‘get concrete involved’ in the future. But it almost tastes grainy enough to have been made in concrete.’ - Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com, 18/20 (Aug 2018)

‘Flavour without heaviness is the refrain throughout these ranges, 2017 is also fruit-filled without being fruity. Strawberry profile with a hint of earthiness from 3 Swartland blocks; 30-50% bunch pressed, 4 weeks on skins, 11 months older oak. Seamless, & charming in its lightness.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2019, 4.5* (90/100)

Provenance

Producer