2018 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....
Treinspoor comes from a vineyard close to the railway line on the Darling side of the Swartland. It was especially crucial to get the picking date right in 2018, according to Paul Jordaan, but he and Eben Sadie nailed it. Showing the classic grip and square-jawed gruffness of Tinta Barocca, but with intense, savoury damson and tobacco flavours and ageworthy tannic structure.
96 points
Tim Atkin MW

The 2018 Treinspoor is pure Tinta Barocca from Swartland aged in old foudres. Its perfumed bouquet is much more floral than the Pofadder, with incense and pressed iris flower infusing the red berry fruit, and displays wonderful energy and precision. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, a fine bead of acidity and a crisp, quite saline finish that lingers long in the mouth. I noticed it tightening up in the glass, and maybe this will shut down for a while, so drink soon or cellar for several years."
95 points
Neal Martin - Vinous