Single-Owner Private Collection of Fine Wines from South Africa, Bordeaux, Rhône Valley, Italy, Spain and more….
Timed Online Auction, 27 June - 15 July 2024
South Africa - Whites
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
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.
The name means The Footpath in Dutch, and comes from the name of Dirk Brand’s wheat and rooibos tea farm, where the rustic block of old vines is tucked away. This is surely the most isolated old vineyard in the country, presumably originally planted to supply the farmer and his neighbours.
Provenance
Private Client
Critics Ratings
‘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)
‘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)
‘Remarkable blend of Semillons Blanc and Gris, Chenin Blanc, Palomino and Muscat, vines as old as 129 years.’ – Nancy Gilchrist MW, Decanter.com, 96/100 (Oct 2017)
‘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)
‘This eclectic 2016 white blend of Semillon Blanc, Semillon Gris, Chenin Blanc, Palomino and Muscat d’Alexandrie has a wonderfully dusty, aromatic, complex nose of stony, pithy, crunchy yellow pears, pineapple pastille, pear drop bon bons, lemon rind, sea breeze and nutty, piquant nuances. The palate shows such wonderful salty, briney intensity without any heavy, unctuous weight of fruit. Plenty of richness certainly, with a fine grained pithy, grippy texture and impressively fresh acids. I love the purity and inner energy of this wine. The finish is fresh, precise, full of vigour and long, with hints of lemon butter, lanolin, hazelnut and pear skins. This may be the product of a warm, dry, slightly awkward vintage, but the finished results in the bottle are every bit as impressive as the wine’s reputation. Drink now to 2028+’ – Greg Sherwood MW, 96+/100 (Jul 2017)
‘A Swartland field blend of Chenin Blanc, Muscat, Palomino, Semillon and Semillon Gris, planted in stages from 1900 to 1928. A nose of mesmerizing complexity: citrus, stone fruit and melon plus hay, fennel, earth, ginger and other spice plus just a hint of yeasty complexity. The palate has excellent weight and texture, perhaps a little more so than 2015, but remains beautifully balanced. Power packed and yet so detailed. One of SA’s most extraordinary wines.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 96/100 (Sep 2017)
‘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 2017, 95/100
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