Provenance

Wine Cellar Private Client

Critics Ratings

2014:
'The 2014 Old Vine Series T Voetpad comes from vines planted in 1887 and where Eben said works the most. A field blend of Semillon Blanc and Gris, Palomino, Chenin Blanc and Muscat, it has an extremely complex bouquet with white fennel, tarragon and rosemary infused tropical fruit with subtle resinous scents developing with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with a slightly honeyed texture, just a pinch of white pepper and fennel, and extremely well balanced with a harmonious, ineffably complex finish that lingers long and tenderly in the mouth. With the Mev Kristen, this is Eben's best Old Vine Series White in 2014. Stunning.' - Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, 96/100 (Nov 2015)

'Planted between 1887 and 1928, the source for this wine is one of the oldest vineyards in South Africa. A blend of Semillon, Semillon Gris, Palomino, Chenin Blanc and Muscat, it’s mealy, complex and focused, showing skin tannins and structure and a sappy, oyster shelllike note. Drink: 2015-22' - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2015, 96/100

'Dense, with white peach, pear, quince and yellow apple fruit flavors forming a prodigious core. Remarkably racy and stony in feel overall, with blanched almond and salted butter notes keeping everything tightly harnessed through the finish. Chenin Blanc, Sémillon, Palomino and Muscat d'Alexandrie. Best from 2017 through 2022.' - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 94/100 (Apr 2016)

2015:
'A blend of Semillon Blanc, Semillon Gris, Chenin Blanc, Palomino and Muscat, the 2015 Old Vine Series T Voetpad has a strict, linear bouquet that needed the most encouragement from the glass out of all Eben's 2015s. The palate is beautifully balanced and packed full of flavor: orange rind, bitter lemon, sea salt, lanolin and a touch of hazelnut, fanning out beautifully towards the finish that demonstrates superb vigor. This is a blistering follow-up to the 2014 and two minutes after the wine has departed, you can still feel the mouth tingling with salinity.' – Neal Martin, RobertParker.com 97/100

‘Field blend from one of SA’s oldest vineyards. Near-equal Chenin, Semillon and Palomino with 6% Muscat produce generous, expressive and remarkably textured 2015. Like 2014 (5 stars, 98 pts), rich, with complex flavours focused by precise acidity and attractive pithiness. Year well-seasoned foudre.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2017, 4.5*

‘This wild vineyard, frequented by snakes and baboons, is arguably the oldest and most isolated in South Africa. A blend of Semillon, Chenin, Palomino and Muscat, it’s sappy, savoury and almost tannic, with remarkable minerality. Stylish oak and notes of aniseed and Mediterranean herbs. One of the great wines of the New World. Drink: 2016-22.’ - Tim Atkin SA Special Report 2016, 97/100

2016:
‘Planted between 1900 and 1928, and all on its own roots, this wild, isolated vineyard is one of the oldest in the Cape. Combining Semillon, Chenin, Palomino and Muscat, the resulting wine is more exotic than the 2015, with tangerine and stone fruit undertones, some baking spices and a stony finish. 2017-23’ - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2018, 99/100

‘Field blend from one of SA’s oldest vineyards. Equal chenin & semillon - less palomino in 2016, a more equal partner in 2015 (4.5 stars, 94 pts) - dash muscat as ever. Charming if understated citrus fruit profile; the real attraction is its stony leanness, breathtaking balance. Year well-seasoned vats.’ - Platter's SA Wine Guide 2018, 5* (98/100)

‘Exotic mix of old vines. Pungent and distinctive. I note prices are not given for these Sadie wines! Long and exciting. Fermented lemon cough lozenges.’ – Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com, 17+/20 (Oct 2017)

‘Pure, focused and very refined, this lets Bosc pear, Jonagold apple and white peach flavors stream through unhindered while echoes of persimmon, verbena and macadamia nut fill the background. Floral lift and a light quinine thread add tension through the finish. A real jaw-dropper. Chenin Blanc, Sémillon Blanc, Sémillon Gris, Palomino and Muscat. Drink now through 2026.’ - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 96/100 (Feb 2018)