Sadie Family Swartland Sonvang 2024

Sadie Family Swartland Sonvang 2024

Swartland. First release. Planted in 2019, Sadie’s young co-planted vineyard sits on the granite soils of the western slope of the Paardeberg. Due to its aspect, it soaks up most of the afternoon sun, hence the name Sonvang, which means “sun catch.” “The concept behind this wine is establishing a single vineyard site with [Mediterranean] grape varieties that will brace and stand in the future climate change,” explains Sadie. “At the same time, the vineyard, with a myriad of dynamics and grape varieties, will enable us to produce a complex wine by virtue of its dynamics.”

Planted with Alicante Bouschet, Agiorgitiko, Pontac, Bastardo do Castillo, Trincadera, Tinta Barocca, Lleudonder Pelut (us neither!), Grenache Noir, Pinotage, Cinsault, Counoise and Carignan, the terroir allows the grapes to ripen early whilst retaining fresh acidity. At this point, each variety is picked and vinified separately before blending. In the future, with pruning dynamics and varied viticulture, Sadie aims to create a true field blend. The maiden vintage yielded just 22 hl/ha and fermented with 30% whole bunches. On many levels, it is easy to see why Sadie is delighted with this first release. Despite its youth, in Eben’s words, “The vineyard’s character is already incredibly unique and original, nothing compared to what has been before and a story that needs to be told.”

The maiden 2024 Sonvang, a field blend of varieties in Eben Sadie's nursery, certainly has one of the more exotic and out-there aromatics with scents of red fruit, hickory, struck flint… something almost volcanic about this. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant dark berry fruit, touches of white pepper, Provençal herbs and black truffle. Wonderfully balanced, granular in texture, insistent grip on the finish with a persistent finish, this is an outstanding debut.” 95 Points - Neal Martin, Vinous

This intriguing, aromatic red has aromas of smoked paprika, black currants, bell peppers, licorice, rosemary and Sichuan peppercorns. Some prickly pear, too. It’s vibrant, exotic and crunchy, medium- to full-bodied, with tight and fine tannins. Wild, spicy and powerful, but refined. A field blend of 12 co-planted varietals from a vineyard planted in 2019. The first bottling of this forward-looking wine 96 Points - JamesSuckling.com