2018 Columella
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Tasting notes
Syrah, Mourvèdre, Grenache, Carignan, Cinsault and Tinta Barocca from Paardeberg (2 vineyards), Kasteelberg (4 vineyards), Malmesbury (1 vineyard), Piketberg (1 vineyard). 'The 2018 vintage of Columella is testimony to the bigger dynamics a regional blend has access to: the challenges brought about by the drought were completely addressed in this multi-vineyard, multi-varietal wine from across the Swartland. Various vineyards across so many different soils marginalise extremes and bring about consistent quality. Our viticultural reviews and implementations over a number of years are finally coming into play and are paying off in the resultant wines. Columella, as one of the signature wines, will always be at the spearhead of developments.' Still quite a deep crimson. Heady and rich initially on the nose and then on the palate very complex, complete and pure with a dry, but not drying, finish. This is obviously a blend and is unlike any other wine I can think of. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
The 2018 Columella was 50% destemmed, spent six weeks on the skins and was matured with 10% new oak. It has a very precise and extremely focused bouquet of blackberry and bilberry fruit, crushed stone and wilted rose petals, conveying wonderful energy and elegance. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, a fine bead of acidity, plenty of red fruit tinged with dried orange peel, cedar and hints of espresso, and a very persistent, structured finish that leaves black pepper on the aftertaste.
Deep ruby at the core with a pale ruby edge, the 2018 Columella explodes from the glass with high-toned, dark red fruit aromas of black raspberry, dusty plum and dark cherry skin in the glass, with an alluring essence of dust-blown red flowers and a kiss of baking spices layered through the nose. Medium-bodied and bursting with flavor, the 13.5% alcohol wine shows impeccable balance, succulent acidity and lifting tannins, making way for a delightful mineral tension sensation across the mid-palate. The wine somersaults in the mouth, revealing new layers of black olive and dusty black cherry skin before concluding with a long, evolving finish marked by a dusty, red-berried essence that begs me back for more. This is a wine where, once you have a sip, you can’t help being seduced by its intoxicating aromas that will leave your head spinning. Another stunningly brilliant vintage of Columella. Bravo!
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