Sadie Family Swartland Sonvang 2024

Why is this Wine so Yummy?

Swartland.  First release. Planted in 2019, Sadie’s young co-planted vineyard sits on the granite soils of the western slope of the Paardeberg. Due to its aspect, it soaks up most of the afternoon sun, hence the name Sonvang, which means “sun catch.” “The concept behind this wine is establishing a single vineyard site with [Mediterranean] grape varieties that will brace and stand in the future climate change,” explains Sadie. “At the same time, the vineyard, with a myriad of dynamics and grape varieties, will enable us to produce a complex wine by virtue of its dynamics.”

Planted with Alicante Bouschet, Agiorgitiko, Pontac, Bastardo do Castillo, Trincadera, Tinta Barocca, Lleudonder Pelut (us neither!), Grenache Noir, Pinotage, Cinsault, Counoise and Carignan, the terroir allows the grapes to ripen early whilst retaining fresh acidity. At this point, each variety is picked and vinified separately before blending. In the future, with pruning dynamics and varied viticulture, Sadie aims to create a true field blend. The maiden vintage yielded just 22 hl/ha and fermented with 30% whole bunches. On many levels, it is easy to see why Sadie is delighted with this first release. Despite its youth, in Eben’s words, “The vineyard’s character is already incredibly unique and original, nothing compared to what has been before and a story that needs to be told.”

About the Sadie Family

“…That these rare and beautiful bottlings continue to be sold at prices that would not encourage a Bordeaux Classed Growth proprietor out of his bed each morning is still quite unbelievable, especially when you’ve seen the passion and commitment up close.” 

Neal Martin

“The wines shine through with a level of magnificence that is simply stunning [although the] wines are tough to find as most of these wines are on allocation.” 

Anthony Mueller, The Wine Advocate

In the Vineyard

In the Winery

The 2023 Vintage at the Sadie Family

Where in the World is the Sadie Family?