2018 Treinspoor
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Tasting notes
The 2018 Treinspoor is pure Tinta Barocca from Swartland aged in old foudres . Its perfumed bouquet is much more floral than the Pofadder, with incense and pressed iris flower infusing the red berry fruit, and displays wonderful energy and precision. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, a fine bead of acidity and a crisp, quite saline finish that lingers long in the mouth. I noticed it tightening up in the glass, and maybe this will shut down for a while, so drink soon or cellar for several years.
Critic scores
Average Score
Neal Martin
Anthony Mueller, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The 2018 Old Vine Series Treinspoor made form Tinta Barocca begins quietly brooding in the glass with a serious nose that is dark-fruited. On the palate, the wine has an unrelenting tannic edge with a firm mineral grip that grabs you by the gum line and doesn't let go. The tannic expression echoes of Nebbiolo from Northern Italy. Clearly it will take years to settle down, or you are going to need carpaccio. Full-bodied and tightly mineral on the finish, the wine is going to need five to seven years before you can properly enjoy this bottle by itself.
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.