2012 Columella
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Tasting notes
The 2012 Columella was the oldest vintage that really prefigures contemporary vintages of this renowned cuvée. Wonderful bouquet, beautifully defined, red berry fruit laced with potpourri and subtle garrigue scents, evoking scenes of walking through Provence on a summer’s day. The palate is very delineated and succinct, with filigree tannins, perfectly judged acidity, much more floral than previous vintages, with a deft dab of cracked black pepper on the finish. Superb. Tasted at the Columella vertical in Hong Kong.
Critic scores
Average Score
Neal Martin
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Usefully wet winter replenished water reserves. 76% Syrah, 17% Mourvèdre, 7% Grenache with an average yield of 18–22 hl/ha. First year's ageing in barriques (10% new) and second in foudres. I included this in a tasting for guests at Soneva Fushi in the Maldives and they were blown away by the quality and distinctiveness of the blend. Such a serious, genuinely unique wine… So many layers of interesting flavour. (JR)
12 months in small oak and then 12 months in foudres. ‘Don’t worry about tasting reds before whites, our whites always destroy the reds. White vines much older than reds.’ RS about 2.8 g/l. Much less intense colour than the 2005. Mid crimson. Lively freshness on the nose. Real tension and great juiciness. Something much more mineral than the 2005. Really appetising. Sinews and very long and juicy. Beauty and personality. (JR)
Good bright ruby. Deep, musky, nuanced nose combines raspberry, flinty minerality, rose petal, anise and crushed herbs; reminded me of a northern Rhone wine. Then broad, round, dry and complex on the palate, with the musky red fruit and floral flavors accented by pepper and flint notes. Still an infant today, this classically dry, very long wine finishes with extremely suave, even tannins, outstanding breadth and a wonderful light touch. Splendid potential here.
About the producer
Since he started making wine under his own name in 2000, Eben Sadie became a cult name in South Africa. The Swartland producer is best known for his flagship Columella and Palladius, but he also makes a range of whites and reds under the Old Vine Series, which became the District Series in 2025.
Product details
Syrah / Shiraz, Grenache/ Garnacha , Cinsault, Carignan
Red
Dry