Sadie Family Swartland Twiswind 2024

This is a pretty exciting moment - the maiden release from Eben Sadie’s new Twiswind vineyard. Planted in 2019 on a windy south-western slope of the Paardeberg, this site was designed specifically to future-proof the estate against a warming climate. The name translates to "argue against the wind," which gives you a solid idea of the conditions up there.

It’s a co-planted field blend of 12 varieties chosen for their ability to handle the heat and keep their freshness - think Chenin Blanc and Semillon alongside Mediterranean players like Vermentino, Picpoul, Grillo and Assyrtiko. The weathered granite soils drain fast, leading to early ripening and naturally low alcohol.

The result is racy and electric. You get plenty of zest, lime and Granny Smith apple aromatics, but the palate is where it gets serious. It has an intense, structural mouthfeel built on tannin tension rather than just fruit weight. It’s salty, mineral and incredibly energetic - a fascinating look at where the Swartland is heading.