Swartland

Sadie Family - Swartland Treinspoor 2023

"The estate's 100% Tinta Barocca cuvée, all the character of Swartland sublimated in a single bottle!"

"Treinspoor 2023 is a pure Tinta Barocca planted on sandstone and granite/quartz. Black fruits and Earl Grey notes flourish on the nose, which is perhaps a little Nebbiolo-like and very expressive. Bright and lively, the palate is medium-bodied, with slightly chalky tannins. It's a little like Barolo towards the grippy finish, leaving veins of blue fruit in the aftertaste. Remarkable and full of character. 2025-2040" (Vinous 2024)

Sadie Family - Swartland Pofadder 2023

"Vinous judges this 100% Cinsault from Domaine Sadie: brilliant, effortless, and it's even better than last year's!"

"This wine has gorgeous, bewitching aromas of rhubarb, licorice, currant, citrus peel, dried rose and paprika. It's refined and elegant, medium-bodied with fine, crisp tannins that give it bite. More savory characteristics come through on a long, taut finish. Best after 2025. (James Suckling 2024)

Sadie Family - Swartland Skerpioen 2023

"Tasting Sadie's Skerpioen 2023 vintage is like deliciously zesty sea spray: in very limited supply!"

"A fresh white blend that shows lime zest, sliced apples, nectarines and fennel on the nose, followed by a wet stone minerality on the palate that only adds to the purity of the fruit. It's medium-bodied, with a salty freshness that keeps you coming back for more. Drink it or keep it. (James Suckling 2024)

Sadie Family - Swartland Palladius 2022

"Made from a blend of 11 grape varieties from 17 Swartland vineyards, the rave reviews for this cuvée deem it even better than the 2021 vintage!"

"This is a white wine of impressive complexity and richness, the fruit of a blend of 11 grape varieties from 17 Swartland vineyards. Aromas of red fruits, sliced pear, green papaya, flint, grapefruit and hazelnut are all present, followed by a full-bodied palate with a caressing, supple texture. Seamless, it evolves towards spice after a while. Even better than 2021? To be enjoyed after 2025. (James Suckling 2024)

Sadie Family - Swartland Columella 2022

"Incredibly complex and fantastic according to James Suckling, taste the best of South Africa!"

"Deep, seductive aromas of violets, green tea, coffee beans, orange, blackberry, peach pit and smoked paprika burst from the glass. The wine is homogeneous, layered and incredibly complex, with medium body and polished, elegant tannins. It has a lovely luminosity of fruit and floral sweetness on the midpalate. Concentrated on the finish. Fantastic. Try after 2026. (James Suckling 2024)

Alheit Vineyards - Swartland Fire by Night 2023

"A stunning Fire By Night according to Vinous, discover the new vintage in very limited quantities!"

"The 2023 Fire by Night, from dry-grown bush vines planted between 1971 and 1985 on Alheit's farm in the Paardeberg, Swartland, was whole-cluster pressed and settled overnight. It was aged for 12 months, half in cement eggs and half in foudres. This wine has a stunning mineral bouquet, with hints of gunflint and a touch of reduction. Captivating! Well-balanced on the palate, with taut acidity. Sappy on the palate and judiciously spiced with lemongrass and ginger, it blossoms beautifully on the finish. This is a stunning Fire By Night. 2025-2042" (Vinous 2024)

Domaine Damascene - Syrah WO Swartland 2021

"Flavor and power in this exceptional South African wine!"

"The 2021 Syrah Swartland comes from predominantly schist soils. The bouquet is more powerful and floral than that of the Stellenbosch, with crushed iris flowers and peonies complementing scents of black plum and white pepper. The medium-bodied palate has more grip than Stellenbosch. It almost resembles a Cornas, with notes of black olive on the saline finish. This is Syrah with guts without compromising its elegance. 2025-2045" (Vinous 2023)

Lourens Family Wines - Howard John WO Swartland 2022

"Refined and fruity, enjoy this aridoculture blend!"

"Brilliant ruby colour. Very refined and pleasant. Fruity, sweet, well-crafted with a very slight charcoal sensation on the finish. Lots of pleasure. 2023-2028" (Jancis Robinson 2023)

Alheit Vineyards - Swartland Hereafter Here 2022

"A "formidable wine" according to the critics, lively and harmonious!"

"Hereafter Here 2022 is a blend of young and old vines due to higher yields this year, pressed in whole bunches with 18 months of ageing, two-thirds on the lees. The well-defined bouquet features aromas of yellow plum, orange blossom, Japanese yuzu and crushed stone. The palate is very harmonious, with a lively line of acidity. A linear, almost Zen-like, razor-sharp Chenin that shows plenty of nerve on the finish. Superb. 2024-2034" (Vinous 2023)

Domaine Vincent Carême - Swartland Terre Brûlée blanc 2019

3.6/5 (5 reviews)

"Chenin from the other end of the world

Terre Brûlée blanc is made by Vincent Carême in South Africa, near Cape Town, in the Swartland appellation. The granitic soil and Mediterranean climate give Chenin Blanc a fine balance between lightness and generosity. The wine is complex and full-bodied, oscillating between citrus aromas and finely toasted, smoky notes after 9 months' ageing in wood and stainless steel tanks. Another version of Chenin to discover!

Sadie Family - Swartland Soldaat 2021

"Lighter in color this year, Soldaat 2021 Old Vine Series is bright with aromas of ripe, crisp red fruits that balance with a bouquet of powdery cherry blossoms. Medium-bodied and 13% alcohol, the palate is fresh yet possesses a nervous energy that unfolds as the wine settles on the palate before revealing a delicious tannic grip. Grenache has a fine, floral finish and will need a little more time in bottle to blossom, but will drink beautifully over the next 12 to 14 years. Give it time, and your patience will be rewarded. " (Wine Advocate 2022) - Very limited quantities!

Alheit Vineyards - Broom Ridge 2019

Broom Ridge 2019 presents aromas of lime and thatch on the nose, accompanied by notes of elderflower and aromatic herbs. Racy and pure, the palate is slightly spicy and saline, best waited a few years to discover its potential. A 100% Chenin that goes very well with grilled fish!

Sadie Family - T Voetpad 2020

T Voetpad 2020 displays notes characteristic of this wine: damp wool, straw and haystack. Complex and unique, the palate is well balanced. This cuvée is ideal with Asian or exotic fish dishes... A truly singular white blend!

Sadie Family - Kokerboom 2017

Kokerboom is probably the estate's most sophisticated and intriguing wine. Aromas of kiwi, lime and a hint of mineral emerge from the glass. The palate reveals almond and citrus flavors with a certain salinity. The long, solid finish suggests great cellaring potential.

Sadie Family - Skurfberg 2017

Skurfberg reveals aromas of fig, pineapple and melon. On the palate, exotic fruit and apple add vivacity and freshness. The harmony of flavors continues on a long, delicate finish.