2024 Sadie Family Swartland Treinspoor Tinta Barroca

Tinta Barocca arrived in South Africa from the Duero and has found a home in the Western Cape. Historically Tinta Barocca has always played a prominent role in Swartland's red blends, though interest in the variety, particularly from the old, dry-grown vineyards, has really spiked in recent years. This vineyard, planted in 1974 and located next to the old railway line (treinspoor), lies four kilometres west of Malmesbury on decomposed granite and sandstone. Sadie notes that while the very fragile, thin skin of Tinta Barocca is prone to sunburn, the old bush vines keep the bunches sheltered from the intense Swartland sun. Sadie likens his Treinspoor to a sort of stylistic cross between Northern Rhone Syrah (blackberry/currant fruit, plushness, nettles) and Piemontese Nebbiolo, (spice, florals, acidity and tannins). That pretty much nails it. It's certainly a wine of great energy and drive, with its dark and inky core surrounded by layers of pretty, red fruit and florals all wrapped in fine, powdery tannins. Fermented in concrete and raised for 12 months in foudre, it's an outstanding, idiosyncratic red of great beauty and character.

Other Reviews....
This spicy, brooding yet pure wine has aromas of licorice, violets, blackberries, cranberries, graphite and hints of fennel. It’s medium- to full-bodied, firm and focused, with fantastic spicy undertones. Lots of structure. Tight and firm finish. Tinta barroca from 50-year-old vines. Try after 2026.
96 points
Claire Nesbitt - JamesSuckling.com

The 2024 Treinspoor is pure Tinta Barocca that Sadie said he loves the most, though he had to drop a lot of fruit in this vintage due to the dryness, around 35%. This blooms on the nose with sensual red berry fruit, rooibos, Earl Grey and light minerally scents, beautifully defined and focused. The palate is medium-bodied with a sappy opening, impressive density and weight, very pure and perhaps the most sensual of Sadie's OVS this vintage. Just a light tang of cracked black pepper on the finish. Excellent. Drink 2026-2046.
94 points
Neal Martin - Vinous