Provenance

Wine Cellar Private Client

Critics Ratings

2015:
'Semillon blanc from Olifants River, raised in large old ‘stukvate’. Tight, austere 2015, while riper than 2014 (4.5 stars, 94 pts) & previous, retains its signature rapier-like acidity & stony elegance, weaves lemon blossom with brioche & scrub, demands much time to reveal well-concealed fruit.' - Platter's SA Wine Guide 2017, 5*

'Bright straw-yellow. Very sexy, musky, soil-driven aromas of nectarine, orange blossom, nuts and ginger. Large-scaled, broad and rich but not quite sweet, with captivating inner-mouth spicy perfume to the ripe yellow stone fruit, crushed stone, bitter almond and quinine flavors. A bit of unabsorbed CO2 contributes verve. Like these other whites from Eben Sadie, this wine's finish is phenolic, chewy and long, with terrific lift. Loads of flavor here, not to mention uncanny breadth, thorough ripeness and immediate appeal--and great acidity to support slow development in the bottle. I raised my score for the wine's palate-staining persistence.' - Stephan Tanzer, Vinous, 95/100 (May 2017)

'The 2015 Old Vine Series Kokerboom (the 2017 was being pressed at the same time as I was tasting it) has an intriguing bouquet with orange blossom, sea spray, lanolin and grilled walnut aromas, like others developing more intensity as it aerated in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with beautiful balance in the mouth, a perfect combination of sweet and sour, a tincture of almond macaroon lending sweetness towards the finish. This is the best Kokerboom that I have tasted.' - Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 95/100 (Apr 2017)

'Made with grapes from Henk Laing’s much-in-demand Trekpoort farm, this is a blend of 85-year-old Semillon Blanc and Gris. Herbal, focused and beautifully balanced, with aromas of dill and oregano, a hint of orange zest and a satisfying, saline finish. Another triumph. Drink: 2016-24.' - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2016, 97/100

2016:
‘Stunning, with peach, nectarine, orange and tangerine flavors forming the prodigious core, backed by verbena, green almond and mirabelle plum notes that lend tension and drive from the start. Everything is caressed by a warm brioche accent on the very long finish. Tantalizing now, but this feels like it has more to give with time. Sémillon. Best from 2020 through 2028.’ – James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 96/100 (Feb 2018)

‘Semillon from Olifants River, raised in large old oak ‘stukvate’. Statuesque, slightly smoky 2016’s hay/dried pear nose & palate opulent & luxurious, shot through with variety’s signature acidity but less austere, more generous than rapier-like 2015 (5 stars, 97 pts).’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2018, 4.5* (92/100)

‘From Olifantsrivier Semillon planted in the 1930s. The hot and dry conditions of 2016 have led to a wine of particular richness and ripeness in the case of this wine (alcohol is 14.5%). On the nose, the wine shows some hay before lime, white peach and green melon. The palate seems even more full and round than usual with a creamy texture undercut by tangy acidity, the finish gently savoury.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 92/100 (Aug 2017)

‘There’s usually one standout Sadie Family white in any given vintage, and this is it for me in 2016. Made with 85-year-old Semillon Blanc and Gris from Henk Laing’s Trekpoort farm, this is complex, concentrated and beautifully balanced with notes of grapefruit, passion fruit, creamy lees, subtle oak and a tight, minerally grip. World class. 2018-26’ - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2017, 98/100

2017:
‘Enticing, with tangerine, nectarine and orange notes forming a juicy, almost unctuous core, while bitter almond, acacia and citrus oil details fill in through the dense and lengthy finish. Offers lots of coiled energy. Intense. Sémillon. Best from 2021 through 2028.’ – James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 94/100 (May 2019)

‘Semillon - both white & red variant - from Olifants River, 18 month on lees in large old oak ‘stukvate’ (foudres). Like smoky 2016 (92 pts), lemon-toned 2017 most fruit-filled in line-up, with variety’s spirited acidity contrasting with its richness, driving persistent finish.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2019, 4.5* (93/100)

‘Right up there with the equally brilliant 2016, this incredible blend of Semillon Blanc and Gris from Henk Laing’s Trekpoort farm on Citrusdal Mountain took six months to finish fermenting in 2017. A “ridiculous vineyard” it may be, but the wine it produces is rich and waxy with stony, pink grapefruit-like acidity. 2020-27’ - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2018, 98/100

‘The 2017 Kokerboom is Sadie’s pure Sémillon from vines that are now 93 years old. It has a very well defined bouquet of yellow flowers, jasmine and touches of orange pith. The palate is supremely well balanced, with a perfect line of acidity, a waxy texture and hints of white pepper, lemon curd and a dab of sour lemon that lingers in the mouth. This is quite profound.’ – Neal Martin, Vinous, 96/100 (Aug 2018)