Eben Sadie, Columella, 2006

Based in Malmesbury, Eben Sadie is widely recognised as one of South Africa's top winemakers.He started working with Charles Back and helped to put the Spice Route on the map. He then left South Africa on a pilgrimage of discovery that took him through Germany, Austria, Italy and Oregon. But it is in Europe and particularly Burgundy that he found inspiration and his biggest influence. "I recognised that in Burgundy people have a heart in them: they breathe the wine. It is part of how they move". The notion of terroir is something that is very important to him and is something he wants to reflect in his wines.

Eben Sadie's Columella has reached cult status and is considered by many to be THE best red wine being made in South Africa.

A Rhône blend, it is reminiscent of Hermitage in its elegance, complexity and minerality. It is bursting with chocolate, blackberry and spice, the tannins are structured and integrated, the finish is complex and deftly illustrates Eben Sadie's belief in the expression of terroir.