The Swartland is the largest fine wine district in the world, according to Eben Sadie, covering almost 990 000 ha. Eben’s ambition for these two signature wines is to communicate the soul of this vast terroir. An epiphany whilst blending the 2010 Columella prompted them to ‘move away from the concept of perfection to the notion of truth in the wine’. The pursuit is real, and they now work with 64 vineyards and 34 varieties. Ironically, this has led to a closer sense of perfection in their wines.
Columella and Palladius will always be a work in progress, representing the Sadie Family’s search for true terroir expression. They continue to map the South African wine story and are essential references for every fine wine collector.
The Columella 2024 is one of the most approachable vintages to date. There’s a belly of tannins driving the wine, ensuring its trademark longevity, and the quality lies in the fineness of the tannins. Multi-faceted, this unique wine is a statement. There are layers and layers to explore, so enjoy the journey.
The Palladius 2024 is the best wine of the year’s release. Coming of age since 2017, this is one of the country’s great white wines and embodies a spirit of innovation and terroir translation. It’s a culmination of everything the Sadie Family stands for.
Tasting Notes:
‘The Columella 2024 has a remarkably approachable personality. It’s warm and inviting on the nose, dancing its way between the Rhône, Tuscany and the Mediterranean. The Syrah adds spice, florals and lift, supported by meaty Mourvèdre, tangy Carignan and the grippy tannic frame of Tinta Barocca and Pinotage. With fine, subtle, driving tannins built for long ageing, this unique wine can only be from the Swartland. The 2024 is a blend of Syrah, Mourvèdre, Grenache Noir, Carignan, Cinsaut, Tinta Barocca and Pinotage. It spends 12 months in small oak barrels and then 12 months in large foudres.’ – James Pietersen, July 2026
‘Taking its place among the finest white wines in the world, the Palladius 2024 is a blend from 17 sites of Chenin Blanc, Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne, Semillon Blanc and Gris, Palomino, Verdelho, Colombar, Clairette Blanche, Grillo, Assyrtiko and Viognier. Wow! This is the wine of the release for me. It’s nuanced and detailed, offering beautiful dialled-back white flowers, summer-soaked citrus, white peach and fynbos. The palate is narrow and definite, with poised ripe fruit lingering in the background. A saline and fresh end demands five years before broaching. This is pure class. The wine evolves in the glass with notes of hay, linen, rockpool and an overall impression of sophistication, weaving a story of the Swartland with haute couture finesse. Raised in concrete, ceramic and large foudres.’ – James Pietersen, July 2026
