Description
The 2023 Soldaat is a captivating expression of Grenache, sourced from a high-altitude parcel in the Piekenierskloof Ward, where the variety thrives under exceptional conditions.
These 55-year-old, unirrigated bush vines sit at 780 metres, among the highest elevations in the Cape. Rooted in decomposed granite and left on their own roots, the vines yield just 22 hectolitres per hectare, producing fruit of remarkable intensity and purity. Fermented in concrete tanks with 60% whole bunches and aged without oak, this is a wine that focuses entirely on site expression and varietal clarity.
Delicate yet packed with energy, Soldaat showcases bright red fruit, smoky spice, and earthy minerality with a floral lift that’s reminiscent of the great Garnachas of Gredos. Clocking in at a restrained 13.2% alcohol, it’s a far cry from the heavier Grenache styles, offering elegance and freshness in equal measure.
Highly limited and keenly sought after, this is a wine that defines Eben Sadie’s mastery of both his craft and the unique terroirs of the Cape.
97 points
"Beautifully bright red-cherry, strawberry, licorice, redbush-tea, and burnt-orange aromas give this so much joy. Medium-bodied, lithe, and fresh, with red fruit at the forefront and a touch of earthy spice. Very fine, seamless tannins. Delightful already, but will keep improving."
- Claire Nesbitt (James Suckling)
96 points
"A red wine that has elevated the reputation of Grenache in Piekenierskloof... Eben Sadie's version of a Gredos red with ethereal, seductively floral aromas and a balance of weight and lightness of touch."
- Tim Atkin MW (South Africa Report 2024)
93 points
"The prettiest of Sadie's reds this year, with a lilting quality that is just irresistible... fresh and vibrant with pomegranate and red cherry notes."
- Neal Martin (Vinous)
Sadie Family Wines
Eben Sadie in the vineyard Sadie Family Wines
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Shipping
Delivery is free on orders of $150 or more!
For orders under this amount, delivery is calculated at checkout based on your postcode. You can order in any quantity or combination of wines you like. Straight dozens are not required.
We will dispatch your order the same or next business day.
Estimated delivery transit time varies depending on your location. Please review this page for specific estimates.
Sydney (Our Vans): If no one is home and there are no special delivery instructions our driver will try to call for instructions. If the driver believes there is a safe space to leave your wine they will do so if not, they will return the item to us and hold your order until further instruction from you.
Melbourne (Anonymous Wine Freight): If no one is home and there are no special delivery instructions, the courier will try to call for instructions. If the driver believes there is a safe space to leave your wine they will do so. if not, they will return the item to their dispatch centre and hold until further instruction from you.
Australia Post: Australia Post will leave the parcel if they have been given authority to leave and it is deemed safe to do so. To give your Authority to Leave, please enter this in the 'SPECIAL REQUEST' box at checkout.
Ordering
We want Different Drop customers to always be getting the best price. If you see a lower price elsewhere, just get in touch and we will sort it out for you. We handle all our price-matching on a case by case basis.
Some things to keep in mind:
- Retrospective price-matching is available for 30 days after you have purchased from us.
- The price match cannot be used in conjunction with a coupon or one-off deal we are offering. The idea is for you to get the best price in the market so if that is already achieved through a coupon then we won't price match on top of that.
- We don't price match clearance or fire sales.
- We’ll match the listed price as long as it is a legitimate offer and the competing store is actually able to fulfil the order (they have stock or more stock is en route). Essentially we won't price match cheeky vendors listing wines they have no hope of actually getting for you...
- It must be a publicly listed price. We won't match a price that has been achieved through a coupon/cash-back arrangement, or through a non-advertised offer over the phone or otherwise.
- It is limited to a reasonable retail quantity.
We'll treat each price match request on its merit and reserve the right to refuse where we deem fit. For example, particularly rare wines, from non-trust-worthy vendors, in circumstances we deem illegitimate or if we feel our policy is being unfairly taken advantage of.
At the end of the day, we'll look after you and use common sense to ensure you're getting the best price, please just don't take the p%$$!
No, feel free to mix it up! There is no minimum requirement. You can order wines in any quantity or combination, 1 or 50+ bottles.
We stock three different sized gift boxes (single, three bottle and six), all are available for purchase for a flat rate of $8. They look great and make an awesome impression.
To add a gift box to your order, simply add at checkout. The special requests box is your friend, please give us as many details of what you are looking for and we will try our best, or get in contact to discuss it with you.
If you want to bulk order gifts or if you have any trouble please email hello@differentdrop.com or call and we can try and help.
If you can't add more wine to your cart it means we are low on stock of that wine. For example, if you are only able to 3 bottles and no more that means we only have 3 bottles left of that wine. If it's a must have, please contact us and we may be able to order more in for you.
Just want to talk to someone?
Please don't ever hesitate - we would love to help! Whether it's a problem we can fix, a wine you're not 100% sure on or if you simply want to talk about wine, food and the meaning of life, we are here for you.