100% Grenache from 55-year-old bush vines in the high-altitude Piekenierskloof ward (approx. 780m). Crafted with low-intervention winemaking and concrete aging, it offers superb elegance, aromatic freshness. 

Eben Sadie describes this vintage as an "exhibition of elegance" and "transparent". While some recent years leaned very light, the 2024 strikes a magnificent equilibrium, combining youthful complexity with structured, stony refinement that rivals top-tier Garnachas from Spain's Gredos region.

Grenache is one of the most planted red varietals globally and had a greater presence in the early 1900’s in South Africa. Recent indications are that that it is making a come-back and many new vineyards have been planted lately. The reality is that young Grenache tends to over-produce and in many respects its big previous downfall can be linked to this fact, but when a vineyard comes of age and/or is planted in a less forgiving
site with reduced fruit load, it can compete with the most elegant and refined reds of the Mediterranean climate. We basically fill the concrete tanks whole cluster to about 30% and then destem 70% to get some juice in the tank to have the initiation of fermentation. The fermentation is for about 30 days on the skins and then we press the grapes in an old basket press.

Tasting Notes: This 2024 Soldaat displays the usual red cherry, unripe strawberry, and pomegranate fruit
aromas. The wine is incredibly transparent and pure in aroma. This year, there are shades of rose petals and perfumes. The palate is marked by softer tannins than usual, which meet sweet, grippy, powdery tannins with a long finish. The entire wine is an exhibition of elegance.  The purity of fruit and transparency of the wine, with very earthy notes, develop into greater complexity with time – this is the main characteristic here alongside the fresh fruit aromas. The tannin textures do reward those that have the nerve to wait and allow the wine to mature properly for 5 – 8 years minimum.

Food Pairing: Medium-bodied old-vine Grenache defined by bright red fruit (strawberry, pomegranate, sour cherry), fine silky tannins, and subtle earthy minerality. It pairs beautifully with herb-crusted lamb chops, roast duck, charcuterie, and earthy vegetarian dishes like mushroom risotto.

ANALYSIS: ALC 13.5% | TA 5.6g/L | pH 3.55 | RS 1.1g/L