2021 Columella

The 2021 Columella is a blend of Rhône varieties, 30% Syrah, the lowest ever, with more Mourvèdre, plus Tinta Barocca, 50% whole clusters, spending 12 months in cask (10% new) and 12 months in old foudres , bottled with slightly higher CO2 due to less racking. It has a mixture of red and blueberry fruit, touches of aniseed coming through with time. There’s very fine delineation. The medium-bodied palate has a gorgeous opening with blood orange, black pepper and ginger. It's sleek and less powerful than older vintages, yet it has far more elegance and precision. This is a long-term Columella.

Syrah, Mourvèdre, Grenache, Carignan, Cinsault and Tinta Barocca. From 10 vineyards: Paardeberg (5 vineyards), Kasteelberg (3 vineyards), Malmesbury (1 vineyard), Piquetberg (1 vineyard). 32 hl/ha. Ageing 24 months prior to bottling. Bright red- and black-fruit aromas, violets, whiffs of tea leaf, cedar, graphite and wood shavings – an extraordinary amalgam of spice notes, all of them derived from the fruit since the ageing is largely in old oak. A perfectly assembled, seamless blend, the tannins evident but evanescent, with allspice, cinnamon and vanilla pod carrying all the way to a generous rather than opulent finish. (MF)