Impeccably balanced and gorgeously seductive on the nose, the 2019 Columella is a steadfast crowdpleaser with succulent red fruit tones that waft with elegance and fitness before flaunting bright red florals. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is stunningly impressive with nimble weightlessness across the mid-palate before showcasing power and finesse through layers of complexity. The wine somersaults to an epic finish that continues to linger in the mouth with persistence. Absolutely stunning!

Full bottle 1,546 g. Unnecessarily heavy! Lot EX01. From Paardeberg (2 vineyards), Kasteelberg (4 vineyards), Malmesbury (1 vineyard), Piquetberg (1 vineyard), so a mix of soils. A blend of Syrah with increasing proportions of Mourvèdre, Grenache, Carignan, Cinsault and Tinta Barocca aged for all of 24 months: 12 months on the lees in tight-grain French oak barrels, just 5% of them new, and then racked into big oval casks (foudres) for an additional year of maturation on the fine lees. Unfined and unfiltered. Average yields below 30 hl/ha. Really exciting nose dominated by savoury Syrah but given ballast, palate depth and fruit by the other varieties. So much more winning and more evolved than its famous white stablemate Palladius 2019! I'm going to drink this sweet-and-salty marvel this very night. Such tension, depth and length. Rich initially but then drawn by a fine purse-string to its conclusion. A wine to lose yourself in.... Real vibrancy through and through. (JR)

For reports and full tasting notes, go toTim Atkin MW's website.