Notes

Please note the condition of the front labels are slightly scuffed (see image)

Provenance

Wine Cellar Private Client

Critics Ratings

2014:
‘Chalk-based vineyards are comparatively rare in South Africa, but this Swartland site, planted with the unlikely combination of Palomino and Chenin Blanc in the 1960s, expresses its briney, limestone freshness. Saline and tangy, with taut, lemony bite, some struck match and impressive palate length. Drink: 2015-22’ - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2015, 96/100

‘(a blend of 55% Chenin Blanc and 45% Palomino on a chalky 78-year-old site along the coast, in the northern part of Swartland): Bright yellow. Pungent, underripe stone fruits, mint, orange liqueur, quinine, anise and elderflower on the distinctly salty nose. On the palate, captivating flavors of soft citrus fruits, lemon and sea-spray salinity are framed by powerful acidity (the highest of any of these wines). Very dense wine with plenty of body and a phenolic quality on the very long finish.’ – Stephen Tanzer, Vinous, 94/100 (Apr 2015)

‘Equal chenin, palomino in taut 2014 blend brings back bracing sting in tail - missing in 2013 (5 stars, 96 pts), from vines grown in unique chalky West Coast soils (WO Swartland). Perfect fruit, acid balance & lower alcohol ensures impressive harmony in pithily structured, lively & profound wine.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2016, 4.5*

2016:
‘This equal blend of Chenin and Palomino comes from an unirrigated vineyard on (rare) limestone soils close to the Atlantic. It’s a little broader than the 2015, but has lovely beeswax and yeast characters supported by a salty tang. 2017-23’ - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2017, 95/100

‘Intense and still youthfully tight, with verbena and white peach notes leading the way for yellow apple, chamomile, white ginger and jasmine flavors. A lovely quinine streak is well-embedded, giving this tension and vibrancy through the finish. Chenin Blanc and Palomino. Drink now through 2024.’ – James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 95/100 (Feb 2018)

2017:
‘Unusually for the West Coast, the Skerpioen vineyard is on limestone soils close to the Atlantic. This equal cuvée of Chenin Blanc and Palomino is “our Chablis” according to Eben Sadie. Fresh, mouth-watering and saline, this is a wonderfully complex wine with subtle struck match notes and grapefruity acidity. 2020-28’ - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2018, 96/100

‘The 2017 Skerpioen is an equal blend of Chenin Blanc and Palomino from 80-year-old unirrigated vines on pure limestone soils. It has a crisp, marine-influenced, cockle-shell-scented bouquet, veering toward Chablis in style. The palate is beautifully balanced, with a fine line of acidity, and very saline in the mouth. Walnut and a dab of ginger emerge toward the finish. Excellent.’ – Neal Martin, Vinous, 93/100 (Aug 2018)

‘A Swartland field blend of Chenin Blanc and Palamino planted between 1958 and 1967. The predominant impression on the nose is of white fruit – pear and white peach – but there are also hints of naartjie, hay and herbs. The palate is pure and direct – not too lean or thin but certainly not weighty. Very fresh acidity and a long, pithy finish.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 93/100 (Nov 2018)

2018:
‘Now that I've visited the vineyard, I admire this wine even more, such is the heroism required to grow grapes in such an isolated site. Combining Chenin Blanc and Palomino grown on sand a limestone soils, it's pale, fragrant, yeasty and salty with notes of kelp, quince and citrus and some stony, struck-match reduction. 2019-28’ - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2019, 97/100

‘Interplanted & co-vinified chenin & palomino ex 60 year old vines near Swartland’s cool Atlantic coast. 2018 delicate citrus blossom & honey scents; flavours more emphatic yet still pure, earthy, saline; chalky texture from limestone soil; finish lifted, lengthened by fresh acidity.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2020, 4.5* (94/100)

‘From a Swartland field blend of Chenin Blanc and Palamino. Aromatics of lime and green apple with a herbal note in the background. Lean and linear with super-fresh acidity and a long, pithy finish. An arresting wine with great energy.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 93/100 (Jul 2019)