Critics Ratings

‘2017 is the first vintage of Elpidios that is Grenache based, with support from 69% Syrah, Carignan, Cinsault and Pinotage. Reflecting the grape's reputation as the "Pinot Noir of the south", this is wonderfully aromatic, subtle and refined, with sculpted tannins, bright acidity and plum, cherry stone and raspberry fruit. 2020-27’ - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2019, 96/100

‘Mid ruby colour. Spicy, layered nose. Salty finish, with lots of presence in the mouth. Lively and elegant but with a firm structure. A clearly superior red.’ – Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com, 17+/20 (Jul 2019)

‘Interesting lactic, red cherry, meaty, red currant nose with plenty of spicy, pithy, plummy depth. Superb elegance, classy old world granitic mineral tannins, fine grip and tension but fabulous length and concentration. Intense, vibrant and focused. A very fine effort showing not only the quality of the 2017 vintage but the influence of a growing Grenache proportion.’ – Greg Sherwood MW, 95/100 (Sep 2020)

‘The 2017 Elpidios spends an extra year in bottle compared to Sadie’s other wines. For the first year, the blend is based on Grenache (31%), plus 30% Syrah, 19% Carignan, 10% Cinsault and 10% Pinotage, with around 50% whole bunch across the range, matured in 500L barrels and foudres. It offers cranberry and pomegranate scents on the deep, broody nose; tertiary/undergrowth notes originate from the whole-bunch addition. The palate is medium-bodied with dark cherry, hoisin and light black pepper notes from the Carignan. This is fresh and vibrant, not powerful or deep, yet perfectly proportioned toward the finish. Very fine and it should drink with about a year in the bottle.’ – Neal Martin, Vinous, 93/100 (Oct 2019)

‘From a majority Syrah to a majority Carignan, and now to a majority Grenache with the 2017. Sweet, floral red fruit aromas are joined by fresh, delicious, pure summer fruit flavours and a subtle creamy undertow. It's textured, with a slight hint of woody dryness on the finish. An elegant wine, with clean acidity, but is arguably a touch more one-dimensional than previous years - perhaps it just needs some time.’ – James Button, Decanter.com, 91/100 (Jul 2019)

Provenance

Wine Cellar Private Client