Cape Heritage and The Loire
Timed Online Auction, 1 - 12 August 2024
Cape Heritage - White Wines
About the SessionThe Cape Heritage White Wine Session features the noble variety, Chenin Blanc, known for its versatility and fruit intensity. South Africa has the oldest Chenin Blanc vines in the world and produces long-aging, diverse and fine wines.
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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.
This wine blends Chenin Blanc from old bushvine parcels on three farms on the slopes of the Skurfberg (“rugged mountains”) between Clanwilliam and Lamberts Bay in the Olifants River Region. They are immaculately farmed properties, which have not been subjected to herbicide or chemical fertilisers by the current farmers. This special wine forms part of Sadie’s Old Vine Series (Ouwingerdreeks). Only 400 cases were produced and it is one of South Africa’s most sought-after whites.
Provenance
Wine Cellar Private Client
Critics Ratings
'Tiny yield off 80+ year old Olifants River dryland chenin vines. 2012 is the mineral face of the variety, with subtle grapefruit, peach pip; quieter than 2011. Great purity achieved by minimal handling, natural ferment, bottle-age.’ – Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2014, 5*
'Shortbread, chamomile and macadamia nut notes lead the way, with alluring lemon curd, heather and white peach flavors filling in behind them. Ends with a long, stylish finish. Chenin Blanc. Drink now through 2016.' - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 92/100 (Jun 2014)
'The 2012 Old Vine Series Skurfberg is a Chenin Blanc from the Olifants River. It offers an understated bouquet that unfolds delicately in the glass, with hints of lemon curd, apricot blossom and lime cordial. The palate is well-balanced and offers more of a textural experience than overt flavors. It has a lovely waxy texture with a touch of lemongrass on the finish leaving the mouth tingling after the wine has departed. Excellent.’ – Neal Martin, Wine Advocate 92/100 (2013)
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