This Swartland red wine is composed of 61% Grenache Noir, 34% Syrah, and the remainder consists of small amounts of Carignan, Cinsault, and Pinotage. David & Nadia's grapes are primarily harvested from vineyards with granite soil, and approximately 40% whole-cluster grapes are used in the fermentation process. Aging took place in used 500-liter French oak barrels, concrete tanks, and a large 4,100-liter foudre; the 2022 vintage was released 18 months after bottling.
Aromas of ground pepper, dried spices, and dark cherries permeate the wine, which offers umami notes and a fine-grained texture. It feels bright and firm rather than heavy.
The 2022 vintage was characterized by a cool, damp spring, a delayed start and late heat waves. It is best enjoyed through 2042.
Robert Parker (94)
This is an impressive blend of 61% Grenache Noir (a specialty of this estate), 34% Syrah, 3% Carignan, 1% Pinotage and 1% Cinsault. The David & Nadia 2022 Swartland Elpidios has a charming bouquet with exotic spice, licorice, cumin seed, olive tapenade, pressed blue flowers and blackcurrant. It shows a medium-lean mouthfeel but nevertheless embraces enormous brightness and tension. This wine would make an ideal partner to a classic chicken dinner.
James Suckling (94)
This is savory and peppery, drawing you in with cracked pepper, dried spices, dark cherries and bramble berry fruit. It’s firm yet silky and fine-grained with a medium body and sleek, spicy layers. Long and delicious. 61% grenache and 34% syrah with 3% carignan, 1% cinsault and 1% pinotage. Drink or hold.
Jancis Robinson (16.5)
61% Grenache Noir, 34% Syrah, 3% Carignan, 1% Cinsault and 1% Pinotage. Elpidios is the red answer to the Aristargos white blend. Predominantly from granitic vineyards with an average of 40% whole cluster, the wine was aged in a combination of 500-litre used French oak, concrete and large 4,100-litre foudre. Released after 18 months in bottle.
Pale garnet. Interesting blend with more to offer than the Grenache. Deep flavoured. Jancis Robinson
Vinous (94)
The 2022 Elpidios contains the highest percentage of Grenache thus far. This has a glorious bouquet of ebullient red cherries, cranberry and rooibos scents intermixed with red brick aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with filigree tannins. It’s beautifully balanced, with fine tension and a very refined finish that lingers in the mouth. This is a must-buy from David and Nadia Sadie.
