R. Parker (95/100)
A 100% expression of Tinta Barocca, The Sadie Family's 2023 Swartland Old Vine Series Treinspoor comes from a vineyard located 21 kilometers from the ocean on alluvial sandstone, granite and quartz formations. The wine presents an intriguing bouquet with distinct aromas of crushed stone, graphite, petrichor and shaved pencil. These add to the vertical and linear presentation of this unique red wine. Those stony sensations terminate with sweet cherry and more berry fruits over a medium-plus finish. Eben Sadie says he hates cooked flavors and he hates underripe flavors. Founding an ideal balance is key, and this vintage does just that.
James Suckling (95/100)
Intense violet and dried-flower aromas here, combining with blue and black plum fruit, tea leaves, bark and nutmeg. It’s medium-bodied, very fresh and alive, with tight and firm yet almost indiscernible tannins that spread across the palate. Well-framed. Tinta barroca from old bush vines planted in Malmesbury in the Swartland, half destemmed and half whole-cluster fermented.