Columella is Sadie's most famous wine. While it is regularly described as an 'icon wine' of Swartland, and indeed South Africa, Eben Sadie's goal is simply to produce the best and most honest expression he can from Swartland as a whole. As such the blend includes all six of the seven official black grape varieties that grow within the region, sourced from a range of the soil types. The 2017 is 60% Syrah, with the remainder coming from Mourvèdre, Grenache, Carignan and Cinsault. The fruit is sourced from both Sadie Family vineyards and rented parcels.

The 2017 Columella has an outgoing, intense bouquet, a mixture of red and black fruit mixed with sage, tobacco and thyme, that seems a little smudged initially but gains clarity with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins, plenty of red berry fruit, a generous sprinkling of white pepper and a hint of fennel. Powerful yet refined, and very focused and harmonious on the finish