Sadie Family Wines Skerpioen Swartland 2022

• Size: 750ml
• Vintage: 2022
• ABV: 13%
• Origin: Swartland/South Africa
• Grapes: Chenin Blanc/ Palomino

Description

Eben Sadie is the most influential winemaker of his generation in South Africa. Having worked in wineries right around the world in the 1990s (Burgundy, Oregon, Italy, Austria and Germany) he returned to South Africa and started his own label, Sadie Family Wines, in 1999. Its first wine, the Syrah-based Columella 2000, was awarded 5 stars in the Platter Guide.  Palladius, its idiosyncratic flagship white, received 5 stars in its third (2004) vintage.  Following a period of supporting winemaking projects outside of South Africa he now focuses only on the wines in makes from vineyards in the Swaartland, Olifants River and Stellenbosch.

His hard work, attention to detail, diligence on organic farming methods and incredible knowledge of the Western Cape's vinous historical treasures have inspired those that work with him, around him and sell his wines globally. His influence today is prophetic, his wines are profound and extremely sought after. His flagship wines are Columella and Palladius, blends made from all the parcels and varieties he works with, while his Old Vine Series are a brilliant collection of single vineyard wines with evocative names such as Pofadder (Puffadder), Skerpioen (Scorpion), Soldaat (Soldier), T'Voetpad (Footpath), Treinspoor (Traintrack), Skurfberg (rugged mountains) and Kokerboom (Aloe tree).

Skerpioen(Scorpion)  is  a  very  unique,  unirrigated  old vine  parcel planted on  the  West  Coast  near  the  village of  Dwarskersbos. One of  the  most  amazing  aspects  of  this  vineyard  is the  fact  that  it  is  planted  in chalky (limestone)  soils  in one of  the  coolest  parts  of  the  Swartland  region,  located a  mere  2km  from  the  Atlantic  Ocean –  but  this  is  also a  very dry  location  with  an average  rainfall  of around 300mm per  year. The  cool  climate  and  restrictive  growth  as  a  result  of  the  limited  water  availability  have resulted  in  this  60-year-old-parcel  rendering  a  unique  quality  wine  with  a  distinctive imprint.  Its 2.4  hectares  of old  vines  are  mainly  planted  with  Chenin Blanc  and  Palomino. Skerpioen  is  a  field  blend of  both  varieties  -  they are  picked and pressed  together, and  co-fermented  in  old  wooden  casks. The  most  obvious  characteristics  of  this  wine  is  its incredible  crisp  acidity and freshness; and  the  line of  minerality –  thanks  to  this  very unique  soil. Unfined  and unfiltered  –  decanting  recommended.

The 2022 Skerpioen is a blend of Chenin Blanc and Palomino cultivated on limestone soils, whole bunch pressed directly into old foudres. It has a touch of walnut and smoke on the nose, just a slight or-like note. The palate is well-balanced with a ne bead of acidity, very saline compared to its peers, with grapefruit and lemon rind touches. Taut and linear, it's a wine that I would aord three or four years in bottle. 92 Pts Neal Martin, Vinous