{"product_id":"the-sadie-family-soldaat-grenache-noir-2024-750ml","title":"The Sadie Family Die Ouwingerdreeks 'Soldaat' Red 2024 750ml","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e94pts Wine Advocate\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eThis is the first wine poured in The Sadie Family portfolio tasting. The 2024 Citrusdal Mountain Die Distriksreeks Soldaat shows an earthy yet perfumed expression of Grenache with sour cherry, pomegranate and blue floral lift carried by sweet but firm tannins. Nervy and finely structured, the wine balances high-radiation ripeness with remarkable freshness from its site at 750 meters in elevation. Planted on quartz sandstone and mudstone in the Citrusdal Mountains, Soldaat demonstrates vintner Eben Sadie’s pursuit of Grenache grown in sites that deliver light without excessive heat. This was a complex vintage with not a lot of rain but less wind, which was positive. Aging sees 12 months in concrete tank only. \u003cb\u003eDrink Date: \u003c\/b\u003e2026 - 2038\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eEben Sadie has repositioned The Sadie Family’s former “Old Vine Series” under the new \"Die Distriksreeks\" (The District Series), shifting the focus from vine age to a clearer expression of place and viticulture. While the historic old vineyards remain central, Eben Sadie has increasingly emphasized farming precision and site identity over cellar technique. The evolving range—now including two new bottlings, the Twiswind white and Sonvang red—reflects his long-term ambition to formulate an \"African\" wine aesthetic. \u003c\/i\u003e\u003cb\u003eReviewed by: \u003c\/b\u003eMonica Larner\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e92pts Vinous Media\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 2024 Soldaat is Sadie's Grenache cuvée with slightly higher alcohol compared to previous vintages, fermented and aged in concrete. That comes across on the nose, which is more generous, a little higher-toned than the '23. Plush red cherries and cranberry fruit. The palate is mediumbodied with a tart entry, red cherries, pomegranate and crushed strawberry with gentle grip on the finish. A lovely Soldaat that will give 12 to 15 years' drinking pleasure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eTwo major bits of news: firstly, Eben Sadie’s new winery is now up and running. The 2024 vintage is the first made in the new facility, which friend and neighbour Adi Badenhorst has dubbed the “church of Eben.” Indeed, there is a quasi-ecclesiastical vibe to the new buildings that would not look out of place in Bordeaux, planned down to the very last detail by Sadie himself. Clearly, he is relieved that after years of construction and all the stress that entails, the builders have finally left. Sadie can now enjoy what is incontrovertibly the most impressive winery in Swartland, replete with a gravity-fed system, a library of back vintages, a tasting room and a state-of-the-art kitchen so that his workers are properly fed.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eSecondly, two new cuvées have been added to the Old Vine Series portfolio. “Sonvang is a single vineyard of 12 varieties from our nursery, which is designed to improve massal selection,” Sadie told me as he began to list the varieties. “Alicante, Pontac, Trincadeira, Tinta Barroca, Cinsault, Grenache, Carignan, Pinotage, Counoise…. Each variety is planted in rows to examine for virus, and they are picked around eight days apart. This is the third vintage we have made but the first to be commercialised. It has the highest natural acid amongst my wines.” The other new introduction is Twiswind, a sibling to Sonvang inasmuch as it is a white field blend, including Assyrtiko, Clairette, Grillo, Sémillon and others.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003ci\u003e“The 2024 vintage is the first for which the new winery was fully up and running. The investment has made a big difference. During the season, it didn’t rain for seven-and-a-half months, which was very challenging at the end of ripening. Fortunately, we had 30% of the wind in 2024 that we had in 2021, so there was less evapotranspiration, and the heatwaves in February were not intense. All the reds in the OVS use 30% whole cluster.” (Sadie confessed that, looking back, he used too many stems between 2012 and 2015.)\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eIt is no news to anyone familiar with South African wine that Eben Sadie’s wines can be spellbinding. They are not for everyone, and the Old Vine Series in particular would not appeal to those seeking fruit-forward, ripe and immediately satisfying wines. They can be minimalist in style, based around texture and nuance, opening with time in the glass but never obvious. The new wines clearly deserve their places in such auspicious company, especially the 2024 Sonvang. Among the difficult-to-pronounce other labels (unless you are Dutch), this year I was taken by Chenin Blanc or Chenin blends such as the Skerpioen, Rotsbank and Mev. Kirsten. The 2023 Columella is outstanding. Fans of Sadie’s signature red cuvée should note that I will be undertaking a comprehensive vertical of this alongside mature bottles of OVS later this year. \u003c\/i\u003e\u003cb\u003e- By\u003c\/b\u003e Neal Martin on August 2025\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTerroir\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e“Soldaat” is one of the most distinctive expressions within the Ouwingerdreeks (Old Vine Series) from Eben Sadie, sourced from a remote, high-altitude vineyard in the Citrusdal Mountain, part of the greater Olifants River region of South Africa. The site is perched at approximately 700 meters (2,300 feet) above sea level, making it one of the highest Grenache vineyards in the country.\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003ePlanted in 1972, the bush vines grow in striking isolation on steep, rugged terrain composed primarily of decomposed sandstone. These soils are exceptionally poor and free-draining, forcing the vines to root deeply and struggle for water and nutrients. This natural stress results in extremely low yields, producing fruit of remarkable concentration and purity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThe climatic conditions are equally defining. Despite its inland location, the high elevation moderates daytime temperatures, while cool mountain air ensures significant nighttime cooling. This diurnal variation preserves acidity and allows for a long, slow ripening period, essential for Grenache to develop both aromatic complexity and phenolic balance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThe vineyard’s exposure to wind and sun further shapes the fruit, thickening skins and contributing to the wine’s structure and subtle savory edge. The result is a terroir-driven Grenache that is markedly different from richer, warmer-climate expressions—focused instead on finesse, minerality, and lifted aromatics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemaking \u0026amp; Technical Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eUnder the careful stewardship of Eben Sadie, “Soldaat” is crafted with a philosophy that prioritizes minimal intervention and maximum transparency. The goal is not to shape the wine, but to allow the vineyard—one of the Cape’s true heritage sites—to speak with clarity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThe Grenache is harvested by hand at optimal ripeness, often earlier than in warmer regions to preserve natural acidity and avoid over-extraction. Whole clusters are typically used in fermentation, contributing aromatic lift, structure, and a subtle herbal complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eFermentation occurs spontaneously with native yeasts in open-top fermenters, with gentle extraction techniques such as light punch-downs or foot treading. The aim is to build structure without overshadowing the delicacy of the fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eFollowing fermentation, the wine is transferred to old foudres and large neutral oak vessels for aging, usually for around 12 months. No new oak is used, ensuring that the purity of the fruit and the mineral imprint of the site remain unmasked. The wine is bottled with minimal intervention—often unfined and only lightly filtered—with restrained sulfur additions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eAlcohol levels are moderate, typically around 13–13.5%, reflecting the balance achieved through early picking and high-altitude conditions. The result is a Grenache of striking elegance and precision, emphasizing texture, energy, and site expression over power.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eThe 2024 “Soldaat” pours a translucent ruby hue, hinting at its delicacy and lift rather than density. The aromatic profile is immediately captivating, offering a finely etched bouquet of red cherry, wild strawberry, and crushed raspberry, interwoven with rose petal and dried lavender.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eWith air, the wine reveals deeper complexity—notes of blood orange, pomegranate, and a subtle spice character reminiscent of white pepper and anise. A distinctive mineral thread runs throughout, evoking crushed stone and sun-warmed earth, alongside a faintly savory, almost ferrous nuance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eOn the palate, the wine is light to medium-bodied, defined by its purity and precision. The entry is supple and graceful, leading into a finely textured mid-palate where bright red fruit and citrus notes are carried by vibrant acidity. The tannins are delicate yet present, providing structure without weight, while a subtle grip adds definition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThe finish is long, lifted, and mineral-driven, with lingering notes of red fruit, spice, and a gentle herbal edge. Rather than power, the wine impresses through its clarity, balance, and sense of place—a Grenache that is both ethereal and quietly profound.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFood Pairing \u0026amp; Service\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e“Soldaat” is a versatile and food-friendly wine, particularly well-suited to dishes that emphasize freshness, subtlety, and aromatic complexity. Its lighter body and vibrant acidity make it an excellent partner for Mediterranean and vegetable-driven cuisine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eIdeal pairings include grilled lamb with herbs, roasted chicken with thyme and lemon, or pork dishes with fruit accents. The wine’s red fruit and spice notes also complement dishes such as duck breast with cherry glaze or charcuterie featuring cured meats.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eFor vegetarian options, consider roasted root vegetables, mushroom-based dishes, or lentil preparations with herbs and spices. The wine’s minerality and acidity also allow it to pair beautifully with tomato-based dishes and lighter pasta preparations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eServe slightly cooler than typical reds, around 55–60°F (13–16°C), in a Burgundy-style glass to enhance its aromatic expression. Decanting is optional but can help open the wine, particularly in its youth.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Sadie Family Wines","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45899480170692,"sku":"WB30336721","price":92.49,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0708\/8635\/9236\/files\/TheSadieFamily_Soldaat_GrenacheNoir2024750ml.jpg?v=1774131987","url":"https:\/\/www.prismfinewine.com\/products\/the-sadie-family-soldaat-grenache-noir-2024-750ml","provider":"Prism Fine Wine","version":"1.0","type":"link"}