2021 The Sadie Family 'Pofadder' Cinsault Swartland

Winemaker Notes: Cinsault was an obvious candidate for inclusion in the Old Vine Series, although it poses many quality problems in the vineyard and cellar, including the difficulty of keeping yields down, attaining perfect ripeness, and its oxidative character.

There were 5 vineyards considered, but the block on the Western side of Kasteelberg Mountain was far above the rest in quality (the snakelike form of the mountain gave the wine its name). The vines were planted in 1973 on soils of slate and decomposed shale formations.

After picking, careful sorting is vital to get rid of both underripe and over-ripe berries. The whole clusters are then placed in an old wooden open-top fermenter, with one or two punchdowns by foot each day to slowly release juice for fermentation. After a month on the skins the grapes are transferred by hand into a tiny basket press and pressed directly to an old wooden cask. The wine is bottled after a year or so, to retain the fruit and elegance of the wine and avoid any premature oxidation character.

Pofadder is by far the most challenging wine in the Sadie collection to work with.

CRITICAL ACCLAIM


Antonio Galloni - "The 2021 Pofadder is pure Cinsault with 40% whole clusters, aged in oak foudres for 12 months. It has an open and expressive nose with wild strawberry and raspberry scents, light slatey aromas and touches of orange blossom. The palate is medium-bodied and framed by finely chiselled tannins, beautifully poised, balletic even. Tender yet intense, you will not find a better Cinsault in South Africa."