Sadie Family Swartland Pofadder 2020

Sadie Family Swartland Pofadder is a pure Cinsault from a 1973 planting on the slopes of the Kasteelberg.

Cinsault was South Africa's most planted black grape in the 1920s and then fell out of favour after the war, being fussy to grow and fussier to vinify; the recent revival owes a lot to Eben Sadie and Chris Alheit. This parcel sits west of Malmesbury on slate and decomposed shale, and takes its name from the puff adder, a snake that killed a vineyard worker here in the 1940s. Sadie admits it demands more attention than any of his other sites. For 2020 he cut whole bunches back to half, foot-trod gently once or twice a day for a month on skins, then pressed to old wood.

Pale, perfumed and light on its feet: cranberry, red plum, dried herbs and a whisper of spice over silky tannin. Serve it cool, 14 to 15 degrees. Roast chicken, pork terrine or a tomato and anchovy salad all work.

*Every effort is made to ensure the current vintage is accurate; however, variations can occur. If you are after a specific vintage, please contact us prior to ordering.