Chenin & Pinotage
Timed Online Auction, 4 - 11 September 2023
Chenin & Pinotage
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About this Item
Eben Sadie is South Africa’s most revered winemaker and he arguably kick-started the local fine wine revolution. Over two decades his pursuit for quality in the Swartland has been unparalleled in South Africa and he was voted Winemaker of the Year in 2017 by the International Master of Wine Institute. Eben’s wines were influenced by the Rhône and Spain, with traditional local varieties sourced from pockets of old bush vines and unique terroirs. Long-ageing Columella is often regarded as South Africa’s best red, while Palladius similarly offers an incredible Swartland expression and decades of longevity. The old vine single vineyard series, which was first released in the 2009 vintage, is now firmly the most sought-after release of the year. Mev Kirsten is South Africa’s rarest white wine, produced from a century old Stellenbosch vineyard, while the now legendary Skurfberg received 100 points from Tim Atkin in 2020.
Palladius is the Sadie family’s signature white wine, a pure expression of the Swartland that is produced from 10 local and Rhône white varieties. Palladius is named after the Roman author who continued Columella’s work and is today one of SA’s most highly regarded white wines.
Provenance
Wine Cellar Private Client
Critics Ratings
‘Consummate white blend & one of this guide’s highest-rated wines, 2017 being the 9th with the maximum 5 stars. Reflects Swartland rather than any of 11 varieties, including chenin. Has great energy, tension & sense of coolness in its intricate flavours & layers of texture. Striking & distinguished. Fermented/aged year on lees in clay amphora & concrete ‘egg’, further year older foudre.’ - Platter's SA Wine Guide 2017, 5* (98/100)
‘Even Eben Sadie can't always remember the 11 grapes that make up the blend of this white blend, dominated by Chenin Blanc, with Grenache Blanc, Clairette Blanche, Viognier, Verdelho, Roussanne, Marsanne and Semillon Gris among the supporting cast. Amphorae and concrete egg-fermented, it's a wine that's less blowsy than in the past, with pear, peach and citrus flavours, subtle oak and aromatic spices. 2020-26’ - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2019, 96/100
‘Impressively graceful, moving confidently across the palate. The firm but well-integrated acidity links notes of blanched almond, white raspberry, clementine, elderflower and cardamom. Nearly seamless, but this should develop further and show even more in a few years. Best from 2022 through 2036.’ – Wine Spectator, 95/100 (Apr 2020)
‘A gentle giant with a quiet nose that is shy yet possesses a pure minerality to the heart of its core, the 2017 Palladius has expressive and dusty citrus tones, with a wet river rock stoniness. The palate is balanced with a firm acidic edge and focus that is truly mindboggling. Medium-bodied with a long saline finish, the perplexing expression lingers with lemon oil, bee pollen and fine chalky powder. The acidity and balance in this wine are going to ensure that it possesses the ability to live on for decades in your cellar. Be patient. It's good now but it will get better in time.’ – Anthony Mueller, Wine Advocate, 93+/100 (Oct 2019)
‘The 2017 Palladius is matured in a mixture of concrete and clay. It gradually unfurls with brioche, praline and honeysuckle aromas, wonderfully focused and precise. The well-balanced palate delivers orange zest and tangerine on the entry. The acidity is very well judged and there is real brightness and tension toward the finish. Is it the most complex Palladius Sadie has ever made? Maybe not, but it is still a beautiful wine.’ – Neal Martin, Vinous, 93/100 (Oct 2019)
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