2014 Vintage
Timed Online Auction, 1 - 11 March 2024
2014 Vintage
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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.
Named for the striking tree aloes near the old vineyard it comes from. The vineyard was planted in the 1930s, with a mix of standard Semillon and a red-berried form of the grape once common in the Cape and probably unique to this country, but now almost vanished. Both versions used to be called “Greengrape”.
Provenance
Wine Cellar Private Client
Critics Ratings
‘Semillon blanc (no gris this vintage) in tight, austere 2014 from Skurfberg vines, basket pressed & raised in foudres. Linear & focused, with rapier-like acidity & stony, mineral elegance (has lowest alcohol yet), demanding plenty time in bottle to reveal well-concealed fruit.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2016, 4.5*
‘Still very tight, with tangerine, white peach and verbena notes that show lots of energy, while salted butter and orange zest details fill in on the finish. Shows lovely cut and length. Should broaden out with some cellaring. Sémillon. Best from 2017 through 2021.’ – James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 92/100 (Apr 2016)
‘A blend of Semillon Blanc and Semillon Gris planted in the early 1900s, the 2014 Old Vine Series Kokerboom has a very subtle bouquet, extremely nuanced with lanolin, beeswax, dried apricot and just a touch of brioche. The palate is very well balanced, slightly candied on the entry with dried orange peel and dried quince. There is a lovely texture here, just a mote of waxiness with a finish that is reposed and effortless. This is perhaps more approachable compared to the Skurfberg, but likewise it will repay cellaring.’ – Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, 94+/100 (Nov 2015)
‘The 2014 vintage of The Old Vine Series Kokerboom made by Eben Sadie is demanding stuff. From Olifantsrivier Semillon, the vineyards were planted in the 1930s and include both the white-berried and the red-berried form of the grape. On the nose, lime, pear, white peach, red table grape, thatch, dried herbs and some yeasty complexity – the list goes on. The palate meanwhile shows huge intensity, being weighty but not ponderous, the tangy, lemon-like acidity lending balance before a savoury finish. It’s a compelling wine deserving of a good few hours of contemplation.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 94/100 (Aug 2015)
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