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Imported White Wines

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2022 Sadie Family Stellenbosch Mev. Kirsten Chenin Blanc

Stellenbosch, SOUTH AFRICA
$350. 00
Bottle
$4200.00 Dozen

ABV: 13.5%

Closure: Cork

Sadie has been working with Chenin off this “truly incredible” granite vineyard at the foot of Bothmaskop Mountain in Stellenbosch’s Jonkershoek Valley since 2006. With most of the vines planted between 1905 and 1920, the mere one hectare (belonging to Mrs Kirsten and her family) is recognised as the oldest Chenin Blanc in South Africa. Due to the age of the vines, Sadie has been interplanting mass-selection cuttings to prolong the vineyard's life, though the younger vines are vinified separately. In time, the younger fraction will also be included in the blend.
Eben describes this hyper-rare wine as his most powerful and structured Chenin Blanc, juxtaposing silky elegance with immense texture, density and power. It ferments in an old foudre with lots of solids and is bottled unfiltered after 12 months of aging.
Other Reviews....
Full, fresh and lively in the glass, the 2022 Old Vine Series Mev Kirsten bursts with incredible freshness wrapped in finesse and seductive notes of dusty citrus blossoms. Medium-bodied, the mouthfeel offers considerable weight, a delightful nutty essence and a kiss of phenolic bitterness that gradually glides to a soft, leesy expression. The Mev Kirsten has a certain gravitas that weighs on the palate and hangs through the long, lingering, food-friendly finish. It’s mind-bogglingly delicious and has my head spinning for more. Only 4,500 bottles were produced from whole-bunch-pressed, old-vine Chenin Blanc that rested in old foudre. Drink 2023 - 2038.
97 points
Anthony Mueller - Wine Advocate (Dec 30, 2023)
The 2022 Mev. Kirsten is pure Swartland Chenin Blanc, whole bunch pressed into old foudres. It has a lovely touch of citrus lemon, orange blossom and just a hint of blackcurrant leaf, very mineral-driven with a bit of walnut coming through with aeration. The palate is ripe and the most tropical and exotic of Sadie's wines, with guava and passion fruit notes, lightly spiced with a very persistent finish. Utterly seductive. Drink 2025-2048.
95 points
Neal Martin - Vinous

Delivery Information
- 96
- 96
- 99
2021 Sadie Family Swartland Palladius Magnum (1500ml)

Swartland, SOUTH AFRICA
$630. 00
Bottle
$7560.00 Dozen

ABV: 13.5%

Closure: Cork

The Sadie Family team work with roughly 30-hectares of vines, one-third of which are estate, with the other vines farmed entirely under their control. This is a considerable undertaking when you consider, at their furthest point, the vineyards lie some 250 miles apart and are spread across 53 separate parcels. Then consider that everything is dry grown and organically farmed and that each parcel, having different geologies, aspects and often grape varieties, will require different management. These vines lie mostly on the high altitude slopes of Swartland’s Atlantic-influenced mountains, one hour north of Cape Town on the Western Cape.
Sadie’s signature white is a blend of all 11 of Swartland’s official white varieties, with old, bush-vine Chenin Blanc playing the principal role. The idea is to produce a great white that represents the overall terroir of Swartland (as much as this is possible) and to use all the permitted varieties. As a result, this is harvested from 17 separate vineyard sites, with the full list of grapes taking in Grenache Blanc, Clairette Blanche, Viognier, Verdelho, Roussanne, Marsanne, Semillon Blanc, Palomino and Colombard, as well as the hyper-rare Semillon Gris (which plays a key role in Sadie’s Kokerboom and ‘T Voetpad old vine cuvées).
As for the winemaking, the fruit was sorted and pressed in a traditional basket, directly into clay amphoras and six concrete eggs. The wine finished fermenting in its own time (which can take up to 20 months) after which it went to large wooden foudre for maturation before being bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Other Reviews....
Toeing the line to triple digits, the 2021 Palladius is a blend of Chenin Blanc, Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne, Viognier, Sémillon, Colombard, Verdellho and Palomino. Instantly impressive in the glass, the wine is bold with waxy aromas that sway with seductive notes of lemon pastry cream, dusty melon and citrus blossoms. Medium-bodied and with 13.7% alcohol, the palate is succulent and bright with fantastic acid and displays a kiss of phenolic bitterness that beams with focus and precision. Subtle notes of beeswax and lees drive the finish with immense complexity and considerable weight. The aftertaste summersaults with complexity, offering fresh and bright citrus notes with notions of dusty flowers. It will remain food friendly for decades. It's devastatingly beautiful and cerebral. 12,400 bottles were produced after the grapes were whole-bunch pressed and rested in concrete and amphora. Drink 2025 - 2045.
99 points
Anthony Mueller - Wine Advocate (Dec 30, 2023)
The 2021 Palladius is aged in concrete eggs and amphora for 12 months plus 12 months in old foudre. Sadie said he is most proud of this vintage over the last decade. It has a well-defined lanolin, yellow fruit, melted candle wax and fern nose. The palate is supremely well-balanced, with a killer line of acidity counterbalancing the concentration. An underlying touch of bitter lemon and ginger surfaces towards the harmonious and persistent finish. Superb energy here. Drink 2025-2050.
96 points
Neal Martin - Vinous
This is showing aromas of waxed lemons, thyme, grapefruit rind, mango stones, apricots, white flowers and sea shells. Seductively supple, fresh, with bright acidity and a seashell-like minerality. Sophisticated, seamless blend that makes you think. Holding back a little at the moment. Blend of 35% chenin blanc, with equal parts of marsanne, roussanne, clairette, colombard, viognier, verdelho, palomino, grenache blanc, grenache gris, semillon blanc and semillon gris. Try from 2024.
96 points
James Suckling

Delivery Information
- 96
- 96
- 99
2021 Sadie Family Swartland Palladius

Swartland, SOUTH AFRICA
$299. 00
Bottle
$3588.00 Dozen

ABV: 13.5%

Closure: Cork

The Sadie Family team work with roughly 30-hectares of vines, one-third of which are estate, with the other vines farmed entirely under their control. This is a considerable undertaking when you consider, at their furthest point, the vineyards lie some 250 miles apart and are spread across 53 separate parcels. Then consider that everything is dry grown and organically farmed and that each parcel, having different geologies, aspects and often grape varieties, will require different management. These vines lie mostly on the high altitude slopes of Swartland’s Atlantic-influenced mountains, one hour north of Cape Town on the Western Cape.
Sadie’s signature white is a blend of all 11 of Swartland’s official white varieties, with old, bush-vine Chenin Blanc playing the principal role. The idea is to produce a great white that represents the overall terroir of Swartland (as much as this is possible) and to use all the permitted varieties. As a result, this is harvested from 17 separate vineyard sites, with the full list of grapes taking in Grenache Blanc, Clairette Blanche, Viognier, Verdelho, Roussanne, Marsanne, Semillon Blanc, Palomino and Colombard, as well as the hyper-rare Semillon Gris (which plays a key role in Sadie’s Kokerboom and ‘T Voetpad old vine cuvées).
As for the winemaking, the fruit was sorted and pressed in a traditional basket, directly into clay amphoras and six concrete eggs. The wine finished fermenting in its own time (which can take up to 20 months) after which it went to large wooden foudre for maturation before being bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Other Reviews....
Toeing the line to triple digits, the 2021 Palladius is a blend of Chenin Blanc, Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne, Viognier, Sémillon, Colombard, Verdellho and Palomino. Instantly impressive in the glass, the wine is bold with waxy aromas that sway with seductive notes of lemon pastry cream, dusty melon and citrus blossoms. Medium-bodied and with 13.7% alcohol, the palate is succulent and bright with fantastic acid and displays a kiss of phenolic bitterness that beams with focus and precision. Subtle notes of beeswax and lees drive the finish with immense complexity and considerable weight. The aftertaste summersaults with complexity, offering fresh and bright citrus notes with notions of dusty flowers. It will remain food friendly for decades. It's devastatingly beautiful and cerebral. 12,400 bottles were produced after the grapes were whole-bunch pressed and rested in concrete and amphora. Drink 2025 - 2045.
99 points
Anthony Mueller - Wine Advocate (Dec 30, 2023)
The 2021 Palladius is aged in concrete eggs and amphora for 12 months plus 12 months in old foudre. Sadie said he is most proud of this vintage over the last decade. It has a well-defined lanolin, yellow fruit, melted candle wax and fern nose. The palate is supremely well-balanced, with a killer line of acidity counterbalancing the concentration. An underlying touch of bitter lemon and ginger surfaces towards the harmonious and persistent finish. Superb energy here. Drink 2025-2050.
96 points
Neal Martin - Vinous
This is showing aromas of waxed lemons, thyme, grapefruit rind, mango stones, apricots, white flowers and sea shells. Seductively supple, fresh, with bright acidity and a seashell-like minerality. Sophisticated, seamless blend that makes you think. Holding back a little at the moment. Blend of 35% chenin blanc, with equal parts of marsanne, roussanne, clairette, colombard, viognier, verdelho, palomino, grenache blanc, grenache gris, semillon blanc and semillon gris. Try from 2024.
96 points
James Suckling

Delivery Information
- 96
- 97
- 97
2022 Sadie Family Swartland Rotsbank Chenin Blanc

Swartland, SOUTH AFRICA
$170. 00
Bottle
$2040.00 Dozen

ABV: 13%

Closure: Cork

Rotsbank is Sadie’s first release of a new vineyard in over a decade. Having coveted the site for fourteen years, Eben finally got his hands on these 40-year-old vines in 2021. It is located in the Paardeberg and planted on a very shallow rock shelf, “Rotsbank”, which leads to minimal growth for the vines as the topsoil is exceptionally shallow. The reserves are always minimal, and the general shoot length and bunch sizes are much smaller than in the surrounding Chenin vineyards.
Other Reviews....
New this year, the 2022 Old Vine Series Rotsbank made from Chenin Blanc offers a saline nose with ripe and nutty citrus blossom essences. Rotsbank, meaning “rock shelf” or “rock bench,” comes from a vineyard with very shallow soil. Light to medium-bodied, the palate is incredibly fresh with layers of complexity and is intensely cerebral. It will notably be an outlier of the Chenin Blanc range, offering the most mineral tension and expressive mouthfeel before it concludes with an almost neverending finish. Just under 7,000 bottles were filled. Keep an eye out for this beauty! Drink 2023 - 2042.
97 points
Anthony Mueller - Wine Advocate (Dec 30, 2023)
The 2022 Rotsbank is pure Chenin Blanc from Swartland that Sadie told me he had waited 14 years to make. The 39-year-old vines grow on a shallow blue granite shelf. It is whole bunch pressed and aged in old foudres. It has a penetrating granitic nose, a touch of Crustacea, and is very well-defined with a hint of green olive. The palate is supremely well-balanced, taut and vibrant, with real depth and a tingle of white pepper on the finish. This is a brilliant new addition to Sadie's Old Vine Series. Drink 2025-2048.
96 points
Neal Martin - Vinous
Now this is a stunningly complex and lively chenin blanc. So aromatically complex, with aromas of lemons, white miso, chamomile, fresh apricots, crushed rock and flint stone. So powerful yet elegant, medium- to full-bodied, with such length and continuation that it lasts for minutes. Salty towards the end. From bush vines planted in 1987. Fantastic already, but even better from 2025.
97 points
James Suckling

Delivery Information
- 92
- 96
- 96
2022 Sadie Family Swartland Skerpioen Chenin Blanc Palomino

Swartland, SOUTH AFRICA
$170. 00
Bottle
$2040.00 Dozen

ABV: 13%

Closure: Cork

Named after the abundant native scorpions that make their home here, Skerpioen is an unirrigated, 2.4-hectare, 80-plus-year-old vineyard of half Palomino and half Chenin Blanc, just 2km from the Atlantic Ocean and overlooking the Elands Bay. The soils here are very sandy and chalky, a type that Sadie likens to the white albarizas of Andalucía (fitting then that the vines here are 50% Palomino). This is one of the coolest parts of the Swartland yet it’s also a very dry location (with an average rainfall of only around 300mm per year). This naturally restricts the yields and concentrates the fruit, magnifying the vineyards’ characteristic saline intensity. This parcel produces a tiny yield of 24 hl/ha on average. The grapes are picked and pressed together and naturally co-ferment in old wooden casks. The result is a stunning and complex white that is completely unique. As always, this is Sadie’s most mineral, racy and low alcohol white.
Other Review....
Made from Chenin Blanc and Palomino, the 2022 Old Vine Series Skerpioen displays aromas of wax melon with hints of sea spray and lemon skin before offering a dusty floral essence. Medium-bodied and with excellent mineral tension, the palate bursts to life with energetic acidity, showing layers of freshness and complexity before ending with a lively, food-friendly finish. Only 7,400 bottles were produced of this gorgeous wine. Drink 2023 - 2037.
96 points
Anthony Mueller - Wine Advocate (Dec 30, 2023)
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 flor-like note. The palate is well-balanced with a fine 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 afford three or four years in bottle. Drink 2024-2038.
92 points
Neal Martin - Vinous
Lemon verbena, white grapefruit, mangosteen and white Asian pears. Hints of white flowers and blanched almonds. It’s wonderfully fresh, bright and textured, with a saltiness and chalky minerality coming through. Still tightly wound, but opens up and does not lack concentration. Co-pressed and co-fermented 50% chenin blanc and 50% palomino. Try from 2024.
96 points
James Suckling

Delivery Information
- Organic
2020 Sadie Family Swartland Palladius Magnum (1500ml)

Swartland, SOUTH AFRICA
$520. 00
Bottle
$6240.00 Dozen

ABV: 14%

Closure: Cork

The Sadie Family team work with roughly 30-hectares of vines, one-third of which are estate, with the other vines farmed entirely under their control. This is a considerable undertaking when you consider, at their furthest point, the vineyards lie some 250 miles apart and are spread across 53 separate parcels. Then consider that everything is dry grown and organically farmed and that each parcel, having different geologies, aspects and often grape varieties, will require different management. These vines lie mostly on the high altitude slopes of Swartland’s Atlantic-influenced mountains, one hour north of Cape Town on the Western Cape.
Sadie’s signature white is a blend of all 11 of Swartland’s official white varieties, with old, bush-vine Chenin Blanc playing the principal role. The idea is to produce a great white that represents the overall terroir of Swartland (as much as this is possible) and to use all the permitted varieties. As a result, this is harvested from 17 separate vineyard sites, with the full list of grapes taking in Grenache Blanc, Clairette Blanche, Viognier, Verdelho, Roussanne, Marsanne, Semillon Blanc, Palomino and Colombard, as well as the hyper-rare Semillon Gris (which plays a key role in Sadie’s Kokerboom and ‘T Voetpad old vine cuvées).
As for the winemaking, the fruit was sorted and pressed in a traditional basket, directly into clay amphoras and six concrete eggs. The wine finished fermenting in its own time (which can take up to 20 months) after which it went to large wooden foudre for maturation before being bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Other Reviews....
No fewer than 17 parcels and 11 varieties (for now) contribute to the blend of this impressive white. Palomino, Chenin Blanc and Grenache Blanc are the dominant grapes in a wine that nods towards the southern Rhône and Spain. Less exotic than it was, Palladius is tauter and more focused these days, with freshness and zip form Clairette Blanche, Colombard and Verdelho, citrus, pear, lemongrass and aromatic herb notes and a tangy, wet stone finish. Drink: 2023-2030.
96 points
Tim Atkin MW - South Africa Report 2020

Delivery Information
- Organic
2020 Sadie Family Swartland Palladius

Swartland, SOUTH AFRICA
$245. 00
Bottle
$2940.00 Dozen

ABV: 14%

Closure: Cork

The Sadie Family team work with roughly 30-hectares of vines, one-third of which are estate, with the other vines farmed entirely under their control. This is a considerable undertaking when you consider, at their furthest point, the vineyards lie some 250 miles apart and are spread across 53 separate parcels. Then consider that everything is dry grown and organically farmed and that each parcel, having different geologies, aspects and often grape varieties, will require different management. These vines lie mostly on the high altitude slopes of Swartland’s Atlantic-influenced mountains, one hour north of Cape Town on the Western Cape.
Sadie’s signature white is a blend of all 11 of Swartland’s official white varieties, with old, bush-vine Chenin Blanc playing the principal role. The idea is to produce a great white that represents the overall terroir of Swartland (as much as this is possible) and to use all the permitted varieties. As a result, this is harvested from 17 separate vineyard sites, with the full list of grapes taking in Grenache Blanc, Clairette Blanche, Viognier, Verdelho, Roussanne, Marsanne, Semillon Blanc, Palomino and Colombard, as well as the hyper-rare Semillon Gris (which plays a key role in Sadie’s Kokerboom and ‘T Voetpad old vine cuvées).
As for the winemaking, the fruit was sorted and pressed in a traditional basket, directly into clay amphoras and six concrete eggs. The wine finished fermenting in its own time (which can take up to 20 months) after which it went to large wooden foudre for maturation before being bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Other Reviews....
No fewer than 17 parcels and 11 varieties (for now) contribute to the blend of this impressive white. Palomino, Chenin Blanc and Grenache Blanc are the dominant grapes in a wine that nods towards the southern Rhône and Spain. Less exotic than it was, Palladius is tauter and more focused these days, with freshness and zip form Clairette Blanche, Colombard and Verdelho, citrus, pear, lemongrass and aromatic herb notes and a tangy, wet stone finish. Drink: 2023-2030.
96 points
Tim Atkin MW - South Africa Report 2020

Delivery Information
- 97
- Organic
2021 Sadie Family Citrusdal Mountain Skurfberg Chenin Blanc

Western Cape, SOUTH AFRICA
$145. 00
Bottle
$1740.00 Dozen

ABV: 14%

Closure: Cork

This extraordinary 100% Chenin Blanc hails from South Africa’s northernmost wine region, the arid Citrusdal Mountain WO, on the west bank of the Olifants River. Specifically, the fruit is drawn from three parcels of 90-year-old, ungrafted bush vines on the decomposed, red sandstone slopes of the Skurfberg (which means ‘rigid mountain’). Planted between 1940 and 1955, these are three immaculately farmed vineyards that have never been treated with herbicide or chemical fertilizers.
Fruit from each vineyard is vinified separately, basket-pressed, then transferred to old casks for natural fermentation. Following 12 months on lees, the wine is blended, then returned to the same casks for a further six months before being bottled directly from foudre.
Other Reviews....
Regular readers of this report will be familiar with my enthusiasm for this world-class Chenin Blanc from seven rows of Basie van Lill’s West Coast vineyard. Energetic, stony and slightly reductive, with flavours of peach, citrus and Cox’s apples, effortless old-vine concentration, chiselled minerality and some structure from skin tannins. Drink: 2023-2030.
98 points
Tim Atkin MW - South Africa Report 2022
This has a beautiful bouquet with white flowers, almond and melted candle wax aromas that blossoms in the glass. The palate is very neutral in style, more a textural wine than one with overt flavours; light spicy notes emerge towards a finish that fans out with confidence. It magically gains depth and swagger with aeration - a magnificent wine - Chenin at the peak of its power.
97 points
Neal Martin - Vinous

Delivery Information
- 93
- Organic
2021 Sadie Family Swartland Skerpioen Chenin Blanc Palomino

Swartland, SOUTH AFRICA
$145. 00
Bottle
$1740.00 Dozen

ABV: 13.5%

Closure: Cork

Named after the abundant native scorpions that make their home here, Skerpioen is an unirrigated, 2.4-hectare, 80-plus-year-old vineyard of half Palomino and half Chenin Blanc, just 2km from the Atlantic Ocean and overlooking the Elands Bay. The soils here are very sandy and chalky, a type that Sadie likens to the white albarizas of Andalucía (fitting then that the vines here are 50% Palomino). This is one of the coolest parts of the Swartland yet it’s also a very dry location (with an average rainfall of only around 300mm per year). This naturally restricts the yields and concentrates the fruit, magnifying the vineyards’ characteristic saline intensity. This parcel produces a tiny yield of 24 hl/ha on average. The grapes are picked and pressed together and naturally co-ferment in old wooden casks. The result is a stunning and complex white that is completely unique. As always, this is Sadie’s most mineral, racy and low alcohol white.
Other Review....
Eben Sadie describes this isolated, sand dune-covered site as “the vineyard of Mad Max” and I know what he means. Pale and salty, the resulting wine is a brilliant, cool climate, wind-buffeted cuvée of Chenin Blanc and Palomino that has limestone freshness and intensity, kelp, oyster shell and sourdough flavours and volcanic intensity. Drink 2023-2030.
97 points
Tim Atkin MW - South Africa Report 2022
The 2021 Skerpioen is the Chenin Blanc and Palomino blend grown on limestone soils close to the coast that is matured in foudres with 10-11 months on the lees. It has a well-defined bouquet with iodine and saline notes on the nose that is slightly more neutral in style compared to Sadie’s other whites. The palate is very well balanced, again, quite neutral in style, very saline with shades of nutmeg and lemon thyme, a saline tang surfacing towards the persistent finish. Uncompromising...in a positive sense of the word.
93 points
Neal Martin - Vinous

Delivery Information
- 97
- Organic
2021 Sadie Family Swartland Kokerboom Semillon

Swartland, SOUTH AFRICA
$145. 00
Bottle
$1740.00 Dozen

ABV: 14.5%

Closure: Cork

Following the Citrusdal Valley north towards Clanwilliam, we come to Sadie’s highest vineyard, Kokerboom. Named for the striking aloe plants that grow near the vines, Kokerboom was planted on Table Mountain sandstone in the 1930’s and is now home to one of Swartland’s few remaining plantings of old-vine Semillon—a variety that at one time, made up 80% of South Africa’s national plantings. Owned and managed by Henk Laing, Sadie notes that, “This is one of the most pristine old vineyards we know. No herbicides or artificial fertilizers have been used on it, and it has been perfectly pruned over the years. The downside is that it is small and low-yielding.”
Kokerboom is a field blend of Semillon Blanc and Semillon Gris, the latter contributing between 20-30% depending on the year. Both Semillons are picked and pressed together and raised in large-format oak. Thanks to its solar exposition, the Semillon ripens extremely well here and has little to none of the tart herbaceousness so often associated with this grape. Instead, the Semillon from this site is known for its ripe lime character with more citrus and chamomile flavours and a waxy texture.
Other Reviews....
The 2021 Kokerboom is a blend of Semillon and Semillon Gris that is whole bunch pressed and aged in. Quite steely on the nose with hints of yellow plum and lanolin, it’s well-defined with a marine influence that becomes more prominent with time. The palate is wonderful: vibrant with yellow fruit, hints of nectarine and pink grapefruit that lend a welcome touch of sourness on the finish. This is a multi-faceted Semillon Blanc/Gris that is fabulous and intellectual.
97 points
Neal Martin - Vinous
Henk Laing may have left us earlier this year, but the vineyard that he made famous lives on in wines like Kokerboom. Sourced from a 1.5-hectare block planted in the 1930s, this blend of Semillon and 20% Semillon Gris is rich, bold and exotic, with peach, apricot and ginger spice flavours and supporting freshness and minerality. Drink: 2022-2027.
94 points
Tim Atkin MW - South Africa Report 2022

Delivery Information
- 95
2019 Sadie Family Swartland Palladius Magnum (1500ml)

Swartland, SOUTH AFRICA
$499. 00
Bottle
$5988.00 Dozen

ABV: 13.5%

Closure: Cork

The Sadie Family team work with roughly 30-hectares of vines, one-third of which are estate, with the other vines farmed entirely under their control. This is a considerable undertaking when you consider, at their furthest point, the vineyards lie some 250 miles apart and are spread across 53 separate parcels. Then consider that everything is dry grown and organically farmed and that each parcel, having different geologies, aspects and often grape varieties, will require different management. These vines lie mostly on the high altitude slopes of Swartland’s Atlantic-influenced mountains, one hour north of Cape Town on the Western Cape.
Sadie’s signature white is a blend of all 11 of Swartland’s official white varieties, with old, bush-vine Chenin Blanc playing the principal role. The idea is to produce a great white that represents the overall terroir of Swartland (as much as this is possible) and to use all the permitted varieties. As a result, this is harvested from 17 separate vineyard sites, with the full list of grapes taking in Grenache Blanc, Clairette Blanche, Viognier, Verdelho, Roussanne, Marsanne, Semillon Blanc, Palomino and Colombard, as well as the hyper-rare Semillon Gris (which plays a key role in Sadie’s Kokerboom and ‘T Voetpad old vine cuvées). Scattered thought the Swartland, most of the vineyards are rooted in decomposed Paardeberg granite (although four parcels lie on sandstone) and qualify for old vine status (35-plus years with the oldest vines planted in 1935). The younger fruit comes from Sadie’s own plantings, although even here the yields max out at 22 hl/ha.
As for the winemaking, the fruit was sorted and pressed in a traditional basket, directly into clay amphoras and six concrete eggs. The wine finished fermenting in its own time (which can take up to 20 months) after which it went to large wooden foudre for maturation before being bottled unfined and unfiltered. Throughout the season, Sadie’s major goal is to “try and get the maximum volume of compact fruit and texture together with the best potential volume of acidity and freshness.” That’s something he has unquestionably achieved here, with the breadth and texture setting Palladius apart from the from his old vine series whites. Unlike those wines, this relies less on the acidity, instead harnessing a deep phenolic freshness that structures the wine. Sadie continues, “Over the past five years Palladius has been the wine that gained most in quality and refinement and much of this has to do with the addition of more vineyards and the improvement of their viticulture.”
Other Reviews....
Delivering aromas of lemon oil, raw honeycomb, wax melon and underripe peach skin, the 2019 Palladius is gorgeous on the nose, with a delightful floral lift and dusty nuance. Medium-bodied on the palate, the wine offers notions of dusty honeysuckle, underripe peach skin and citrus blossom along with lovely mineral tension and a kiss of phenolic bitterness. This will remain food-friendly until its 20th birthday. Every time I try these wines, they never seem to fail to deliver pleasure. Absolutely stunning! Drink 2022 - 2045.
95 points
Anthony Mueller - Wine Advocate (Jun 2022)
Seventeen grapes from 11 sites make up the blend of this celebrated Swartland white, created to combine "two worlds in one - weight and tension", according to Eben Sadie. Perfumed and exotic, it's daringly unoaked, with peach, apricot, green apple and lime flavours, aromatic spices, layers of complexity and a racy, balanced finish.
96 points
Tim Atkin MW - South Africa Special Report 2021

Delivery Information
- 95
2019 Sadie Family Swartland Palladius

Swartland, SOUTH AFRICA
$230. 00
Bottle
$2760.00 Dozen

ABV: 13.5%

Closure: Cork

The Sadie Family team work with roughly 30-hectares of vines, one-third of which are estate, with the other vines farmed entirely under their control. This is a considerable undertaking when you consider, at their furthest point, the vineyards lie some 250 miles apart and are spread across 53 separate parcels. Then consider that everything is dry grown and organically farmed and that each parcel, having different geologies, aspects and often grape varieties, will require different management. These vines lie mostly on the high altitude slopes of Swartland’s Atlantic-influenced mountains, one hour north of Cape Town on the Western Cape.
Sadie’s signature white is a blend of all 11 of Swartland’s official white varieties, with old, bush-vine Chenin Blanc playing the principal role. The idea is to produce a great white that represents the overall terroir of Swartland (as much as this is possible) and to use all the permitted varieties. As a result, this is harvested from 17 separate vineyard sites, with the full list of grapes taking in Grenache Blanc, Clairette Blanche, Viognier, Verdelho, Roussanne, Marsanne, Semillon Blanc, Palomino and Colombard, as well as the hyper-rare Semillon Gris (which plays a key role in Sadie’s Kokerboom and ‘T Voetpad old vine cuvées). Scattered thought the Swartland, most of the vineyards are rooted in decomposed Paardeberg granite (although four parcels lie on sandstone) and qualify for old vine status (35-plus years with the oldest vines planted in 1935). The younger fruit comes from Sadie’s own plantings, although even here the yields max out at 22 hl/ha.
As for the winemaking, the fruit was sorted and pressed in a traditional basket, directly into clay amphoras and six concrete eggs. The wine finished fermenting in its own time (which can take up to 20 months) after which it went to large wooden foudre for maturation before being bottled unfined and unfiltered. Throughout the season, Sadie’s major goal is to “try and get the maximum volume of compact fruit and texture together with the best potential volume of acidity and freshness.” That’s something he has unquestionably achieved here, with the breadth and texture setting Palladius apart from the from his old vine series whites. Unlike those wines, this relies less on the acidity, instead harnessing a deep phenolic freshness that structures the wine. Sadie continues, “Over the past five years Palladius has been the wine that gained most in quality and refinement and much of this has to do with the addition of more vineyards and the improvement of their viticulture.”
Other Reviews....
Delivering aromas of lemon oil, raw honeycomb, wax melon and underripe peach skin, the 2019 Palladius is gorgeous on the nose, with a delightful floral lift and dusty nuance. Medium-bodied on the palate, the wine offers notions of dusty honeysuckle, underripe peach skin and citrus blossom along with lovely mineral tension and a kiss of phenolic bitterness. This will remain food-friendly until its 20th birthday. Every time I try these wines, they never seem to fail to deliver pleasure. Absolutely stunning! Drink 2022 - 2045.
95 points
Anthony Mueller - Wine Advocate (Jun 2022)
Seventeen grapes from 11 sites make up the blend of this celebrated Swartland white, created to combine "two worlds in one - weight and tension", according to Eben Sadie. Perfumed and exotic, it's daringly unoaked, with peach, apricot, green apple and lime flavours, aromatic spices, layers of complexity and a racy, balanced finish.
96 points
Tim Atkin MW - South Africa Special Report 2021

Delivery Information
2020 Sadie Family Swartland Kokerboom Semillon

Swartland, SOUTH AFRICA
$145. 00
Bottle
$1740.00 Dozen

ABV: 14%

Closure: Cork

The Sadie Family team work with roughly 30-hectares of vines, one-third of which are estate, with the other vines farmed entirely under their control. This is a considerable undertaking when you consider, at their furthest point, the vineyards lie some 250 miles apart and are spread across 53 separate parcels. Then consider that everything is dry grown and organically farmed and that each parcel, having different geologies, aspects and often grape varieties, will require different management. These vines lie mostly on the high altitude slopes of Swartland’s Atlantic-influenced mountains, one hour north of Cape Town on the Western Cape.
Following the Citrusdal Valley north towards Clanwilliam, we come to Sadie’s highest vineyard, Kokerboom. Named for the striking aloe plants that grow near the vines, Kokerboom was planted on Table Mountain sandstone in the 1930’s and is now home to one of Swartland’s few remaining plantings of old-vine Semillon—a variety that at one time, made up 80% of South Africa’s national plantings. Owned and managed by Henk Laing, Sadie notes that, “This is one of the most pristine old vineyards we know. No herbicides or artificial fertilizers have been used on it, and it has been perfectly pruned over the years. The downside is that it is small and low-yielding.”
Kokerboom is a field blend of Semillon Blanc and Semillon Gris, the latter contributing between 20-30% depending on the year. Both Semillons are picked and pressed together and raised in large-format oak. Thanks to its solar exposition, the Semillon ripens extremely well here and has little to none of the tart herbaceousness so often associated with this grape. Instead, the Semillon from this site is known for its ripe lime character with more citrus and chamomile flavours and a waxy texture.
Other Reviews....
Yields were ridiculously low in 2020, but Henk Laing's field blend of Semillon Blanc and Semillon Gris always seems to cope with what the vintage throws at it. Exotic, perfumed and intense, with nectarine and passion fruit flavours, old vine concentration, subtle tannins and an undertow of acidity.
96 points
Tim Atkin MW - South Africa Special Report 2021

Delivery Information
2020 Sadie Family Citrusdal Mountain Skurfberg Chenin Blanc

SOUTH AFRICA
$130. 00
Bottle
$1560.00 Dozen

ABV: 14%

Closure: Cork

The Sadie Family team work with roughly 30-hectares of vines, one-third of which are estate, with the other vines farmed entirely under their control. This is a considerable undertaking when you consider, at their furthest point, the vineyards lie some 250 miles apart and are spread across 53 separate parcels. Then consider that everything is dry grown and organically farmed and that each parcel, having different geologies, aspects and often grape varieties, will require different management. These vines lie mostly on the high altitude slopes of Swartland’s Atlantic-influenced mountains, one hour north of Cape Town on the Western Cape.
This extraordinary 100% Chenin Blanc hails from South Africa’s northernmost wine region, the arid Citrusdal Mountain WO, on the west bank of the Olifants River. Specifically, the fruit is drawn from three parcels of 90-year-old, ungrafted bush vines on the decomposed, red sandstone slopes of the Skurfberg (which means ‘rigid mountain’). Planted between 1940 and 1955, these are three immaculately farmed vineyards that have never been treated with herbicide or chemical fertilizers.
Fruit from each vineyard is vinified separately, basket-pressed, then transferred to old casks for natural fermentation. Following 12 months on lees, the wine is blended, then returned to the same casks for a further six months before being bottled directly from foudre. The result is an unbelievable, tension-fuelled wine that can stand up to the great Chenins of the Loire—a wine of jaw-dropping texture, mineral energy and complexity. Sadie called his 2020 yields from Citrusdal Mountain “suicidal”, yet the wine is unbelievably harmonious and poised—it does not show any evidence of the drought mentioned below. “Drinking this wine is the closest we’ll probably get to walking on crystal” says Eben, and that about captures it.
Other Reviews....
Basie van Lill's grapes. "We don’t have to do anything to it." He's being modest, but this is terroir wine that follows the brilliance of the 2019 release. Rich, textured and focused, with citrus, pine and beeswax notes, thrilling minerality and focus and the faintest whisper of large wooden foudres. Grippy, tannic and monumental.
99 points
Tim Atkin MW - South Africa Special Report 2021

Delivery Information
- 95
2020 Sadie Family Swartland Skerpioen Chenin Blanc Palomino

Swartland, SOUTH AFRICA
$130. 00
Bottle
$1560.00 Dozen

ABV: 12.5%

Closure: Cork

The Sadie Family team work with roughly 30-hectares of vines, one-third of which are estate, with the other vines farmed entirely under their control. This is a considerable undertaking when you consider, at their furthest point, the vineyards lie some 250 miles apart and are spread across 53 separate parcels. Then consider that everything is dry grown and organically farmed and that each parcel, having different geologies, aspects and often grape varieties, will require different management. These vines lie mostly on the high altitude slopes of Swartland’s Atlantic-influenced mountains, one hour north of Cape Town on the Western Cape.
Named after the abundant native scorpions that make their home here, Skerpioen is an unirrigated, 2.4-hectare, 80-plus-year-old vineyard of half Palomino and half Chenin Blanc, just 2km from the Atlantic Ocean and overlooking the Elands Bay. The soils here are very sandy and chalky, a type that Sadie likens to the white albarizas of Andalucía (fitting then that the vines here are 50% Palomino). This is one of the coolest parts of the Swartland yet it’s also a very dry location (with an average rainfall of only around 300mm per year). This naturally restricts the yields and concentrates the fruit, magnifying the vineyards’ characteristic saline intensity. This parcel produces a tiny yield of 24 hl/ha on average. The grapes are picked and pressed together and naturally co-ferment in old wooden casks. The result is a stunning and complex white that is completely unique. As always, this is Sadie’s most mineral, racy and low alcohol white.
Other Reviews....
The 2020 Old Vine Series Skerpioen walks the fine line of mineral and citrus, possessing a kiss of sea spray before notions of wax melon, yellow apple skin and sweet Meyer lemon sway on the nose. Medium-bodied on the palate, a slight tinge of fresh herbs makes way for mouthwatering succulent acidity, followed by a kiss of phenolic bitterness and a soft leesy quality over the persistent, almost salty finish. I really enjoy the action on the palate. It's utterly mesmerizing. Bravo! Drink 2022 - 2045.
95 points
Anthony Mueller - Wine Advocate (Jun 2022)
Accessible young, as it tends to be, but also capable of ageing well in bottle, this is a coastal, 50/50 blend of Chenin Blanc and Palomino grown on highly unusual sand and limestone soils. Aromas of citrus and almonds lead into a palate that is engagingly fresh, briney and salty, finishing with a pithy tang.
96 points
Tim Atkin MW - South Africa Special Report 2021

Delivery Information
- 94
- 94
2018 Sadie Family Swartland Palladius

Swartland, SOUTH AFRICA
$220. 00
Bottle
$2640.00 Dozen

ABV: 13.5%

Closure: Cork

The Sadie Family team work with roughly 30-hectares of vines, one-third of which are estate, with the other vines farmed entirely under their control. This is a considerable undertaking when you consider, at their furthest point, the vineyards lie some 250 miles apart and are spread across 53 separate parcels. Then consider that everything is dry grown and organically farmed and that each parcel, having different geologies, aspects and often grape varieties, will require different management. These vines lie mostly on the high altitude slopes of Swartland’s Atlantic-influenced mountains, one hour north of Cape Town on the Western Cape.

Sadie’s signature white is a blend of all 11 of Swartland’s official white varieties, with old, bush-vine Chenin Blanc playing the principal role. The idea is to produce a great white that represents the overall terroir of Swartland (as much as this is possible) and to use all the permitted varieties. As a result, this is harvested from 17 separate vineyard sites, with the full list of grapes taking in Grenache Blanc, Clairette Blanche, Viognier, Verdelho, Roussanne, Marsanne, Semillon Blanc, Palomino and Colombard, as well as the hyper-rare Semillon Gris (which plays a key role in Sadie’s Kokerboom and ‘T Voetpad old vine cuvées). Scattered thought the Swartland, most of the vineyards are rooted in decomposed Paardeberg granite (although four parcels lie on sandstone) and qualify for old vine status (35-plus years with the oldest vines planted in 1935). The younger fruit comes from Sadie’s own plantings, although even here the yields max out at 22 hl/ha.

As for the winemaking, the fruit was sorted and pressed in a traditional basket, directly into clay amphoras and six concrete eggs. The wine finished fermenting in its own time (which can take up to 20 months) after which it went to large wooden foudre for maturation before being bottled unfined and unfiltered. Throughout the season, Sadie’s major goal is to “try and get the maximum volume of compact fruit and texture together with the best potential volume of acidity and freshness.” That’s something he has unquestionably achieved here, with the breadth and texture setting Palladius apart from the from his old vine series whites. Unlike those wines, this relies less on the acidity, instead harnessing a deep phenolic freshness that structures the wine. Sadie continues, “Over the past five years Palladius has been the wine that gained most in quality and refinement and much of this has to do with the addition of more vineyards and the improvement of their viticulture.”

Other Reviews....
The 2018 Palladius is pale gold in color with an impressive meniscus that clings to the glass. The nose is youthful with a significant underlying mineral essence beneath aromas of waxy citrus blossom, Meyer lemon pith, raw honeycomb, wax melon and yellow apple skin. Medium-bodied, the 13.5% alcohol wine is majestic on the palate, displaying a tightly wound mineral tension, a waxy and textural mouthfeel and a kiss of phenolic bitterness to make this absolutely food-friendly and age-worthy. The wine continues to unfold and evolve on the palate, offering complex terroir expressions. Concluding with a long, drawn-out and persistent finish, flavors of dusty citrus linger for more than a minute. There’s no wonder why these wines are so highly allocated and sought after. I just had a daydream about how tertiary and nutty this bottle will be in 15 years. Simply stunning! Wow.
94 points
Anthony Mueller - Wine Advocate (Feb 2021)

The 2018 Palladius is a blend of 12 grape varieties, whole-cluster-pressed and matured in clay and concrete amphorae. Only Eben Sadie can take a gallimaufry of grape varieties and create a wine of this caliber. It has a clean, pure bouquet of wax resin, pine needles, greengage plum and light chamomile scents that gain intensity with aeration. The palate is bright and vivacious on the entry and displays a wonderful waxy texture; peach skin, hazelnut and saline notes appear toward the finish. It's all about the umami.
94 points
Neal Martin - Vinous

Space prevents me from listing all of them, but this remarkable Swartland white is made from 11 different varieties, including Chenin Blanc, Grenache Blanc, Verdelho, Palomino, Marsanne and Roussanne, spread across 17 different sites. Peach, pear and lime flavours are beautifully melded on this more-than-the-sum-of-its-parts white, with gentle oak spice and a thread of acidity that runs through the wine like a cool underground stream.
97 points
Tim Atkin MW - South Africa Special Report 2020

Delivery Information
- 97
2019 Sadie Family Swartland Kokerboom Semillon

Swartland, SOUTH AFRICA
$140. 00
Bottle
$1680.00 Dozen

ABV: 14%

Closure: Cork

The Sadie Family team work with roughly 30-hectares of vines, one-third of which are estate, with the other vines farmed entirely under their control. This is a considerable undertaking when you consider, at their furthest point, the vineyards lie some 250 miles apart and are spread across 53 separate parcels. Then consider that everything is dry grown and organically farmed and that each parcel, having different geologies, aspects and often grape varieties, will require different management. These vines lie mostly on the high altitude slopes of Swartland’s Atlantic-influenced mountains, one hour north of Cape Town on the Western Cape.

Following the Citrusdal Valley north towards Clanwilliam, we come to Sadie’s highest vineyard, Kokerboom. Named for the striking aloe plants that grow near the vines, Kokerboom was planted on Table Mountain sandstone in the 1930’s and is now home to one of Swartland’s few remaining plantings of old-vine Semillon—a variety that at one time, made up 80% of South Africa’s national plantings. Owned and managed by Henk Laing, Sadie notes that, “This is one of the most pristine old vineyards we know. No herbicides or artificial fertilizers have been used on it, and it has been perfectly pruned over the years. The downside is that it is small and low-yielding.”

Kokerboom is a field blend of Semillon Blanc and Semillon Gris, the latter contributing between 20-30% depending on the year. Both Semillons are picked and pressed together and raised in large-format oak. Thanks to its solar exposition, the Semillon ripens extremely well here and has little to none of the tart herbaceousness so often associated with this grape. Instead, the Semillon from this site is known for its ripe lime character with more citrus and chamomile flavours and a waxy texture.

Other Reviews....
The 2019 Kokerboom is a blend of Sémillon Blanc and Gris, whole-cluster-pressed and matured in old foudre. It has an enthralling bouquet of pine needles, vervain tea and sea spray that is utterly captivating. The palate is supremely well balanced and offers flavors grilled hazelnut and walnut, but the theme of this Kokerboom is the sea. It just tastes shockingly saline. The finish is otherworldly long and quite profound. Astonishing.
97 points
Neal Martin - Vinous

Another Sadie Family wine that lost half of its crop to the growing season in 2019, Kokerboom is part of a stunning array of whites from Eben Sadie this year. Made with co-planted Semillon Blanc and Gris from Henk Laing's farm, this is herbal, saline and refreshing, all pink grapefruit, lime and lemongrass with a herbal twist and the gentle caress of old barrels.
97 points
Tim Atkin MW - South Africa Special Report 2020

Delivery Information
- 95
2019 Sadie Family Citrusdal Mountain Skurfberg Chenin Blanc

SOUTH AFRICA
$130. 00
Bottle
$1560.00 Dozen

ABV: 14%

Closure: Cork

The Sadie Family team work with roughly 30-hectares of vines, one-third of which are estate, with the other vines farmed entirely under their control. This is a considerable undertaking when you consider, at their furthest point, the vineyards lie some 250 miles apart and are spread across 53 separate parcels. Then consider that everything is dry grown and organically farmed and that each parcel, having different geologies, aspects and often grape varieties, will require different management. These vines lie mostly on the high altitude slopes of Swartland’s Atlantic-influenced mountains, one hour north of Cape Town on the Western Cape.
This extraordinary 100% Chenin Blanc hails from South Africa’s northernmost wine region, the arid Citrusdal Mountain WO, on the west bank of the Olifants River. Specifically, the fruit is drawn from three parcels of 90-year-old, ungrafted bush vines on the decomposed, red sandstone slopes of the Skurfberg (which means ‘rigid mountain’). Planted between 1940-1955, these three immaculately farmed vineyards have never been treated with herbicide or chemical fertilizers. Each parcel is vinified separately, basket-pressed, then transferred to old casks for natural fermentation. Following 12 months on lees, the wine is blended, then returned to the same casks for a further six months before bottling directly from foudre. The result is an unbelievable tension-fuelled wine that can stand up to the great Chenins of the Loire—a wine of jaw-dropping texture, mineral energy and complexity.
Other Reviews....
The 2019 Skurfberg, which is whole-cluster-pressed Chenin matured in old foudre, has an understated bouquet of subtle undergrowth, chalk and chai tea scents that take their time to find their groove. The palate is very well balanced with a fine degree of acidity, more neutral in style than Sadie’s other 2019s, just a touch of orange zest lighting up the finish. This Skurfberg needs 4–5 years in bottle but it will certainly be worth your patience and may merit a higher score down the line.
95+ points
Neal Martin - Vinous
A one-hundred-point white? From South Africa? I can almost hear the tutting and clucking from here. But I defy anyone to taste this monumental wine, preferably among a line-up of other, world-class wines and resist its charms. The crop was down 60%, resulting in an old-vine Chenin of mind-blowing focus, depth and concentration. Quince, lemon and subtle Asian spices segue into a palate of nuances, corners, light and shade and dark. Well done, Eben Sadie. Well done, the van Lill family, who grow the grapes. Well done, South Africa.
100 points
Tim Atkin MW - South Africa Special Report 2020

Delivery Information
- 93
2019 Sadie Family Swartland Skerpioen Chenin Blanc Palomino

Swartland, SOUTH AFRICA
$120. 00
Bottle
$1440.00 Dozen

ABV: 12.5%

Closure: Cork

The Sadie Family team work with roughly 30-hectares of vines, one-third of which are estate, with the other vines farmed entirely under their control. This is a considerable undertaking when you consider, at their furthest point, the vineyards lie some 250 miles apart and are spread across 53 separate parcels. Then consider that everything is dry grown and organically farmed and that each parcel, having different geologies, aspects and often grape varieties, will require different management. These vines lie mostly on the high altitude slopes of Swartland’s Atlantic-influenced mountains, one hour north of Cape Town on the Western Cape.

Named after the abundant native scorpions that make their home here, Skerpioen is an unirrigated, 2.4-hectare, 80-plus-year-old vineyard of half Palomino and half Chenin Blanc, just 2km from the Atlantic Ocean and overlooking the Elands Bay. The soils here are very sandy and chalky, a type that Sadie likens to the white albarizas of Andalucía (fitting then that the vines here are 50% Palomino). This is one of the coolest parts of the Swartland yet it’s also a very dry location (with an average rainfall of only around 300mm per year). This naturally restricts the yields and concentrates the fruit, magnifying the vineyards’ characteristic saline intensity. This parcel produces a tiny yield of 24 hl/ha on average. The grapes are picked and pressed together and naturally co-ferment in old wooden casks. The result is a stunning and complex white that is completely unique. As always, this is Sadie’s most mineral, racy and low alcohol white (12.5%).

Other Reviews....
The 2019 Skerpioen has a well-defined bouquet of pine cones, lanolin and wild fennel aromas that gains intensity with air. The palate is well balanced with a fine bead of acidity, full of energy and vigor, and slightly waxy in texture. Chamomile and touches of Turkish delight appear on the finish. Stand back and watch this blossom in the glass.
93 points
Neal Martin - Vinous

Skerpioen is quite a place: a wind-swept, seashore vineyard with sand and limestone soils that makes one of the Cape’s most distinctive whites. Produced from co-planted Chenin and Palomino, it's wonderfully yeasty, pithy and saline with mouth-watering freshness and notes of kelp and fresh bread.
96 points
Tim Atkin MW - South Africa Special Report 2020

Delivery Information
- 94
2018 Sadie Family Citrusdal Mountain Skurfberg Chenin Blanc

Swartland, SOUTH AFRICA
$110. 00
Bottle
$1320.00 Dozen

ABV: 12.5%

Closure: Cork

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 fertilizers by the current farmers. Most of the soils in the area are of decomposed sandstone, and very sandy. Rainfall is low - these vines have had to be tough to survive without irrigation. Together these three low yielding parcels represent the possibilities of the area, each offering something unique to the complexity of the whole. The one site has huge and aromatic fruit concentration; the second offers an earthy character and minerality, and the third (the highest, and closest to the Atlantic) retains amazing acidity and freshness. The three parcels of fruit were vinified separately. They were basket-pressed and then transferred directly to old casks where natural fermentation took place. They were blended after 12 months, and then left to age another six months before bottling.

Other Reviews....
The sources of Eben Sadie's amazing West Coast Chenin Blanc have been reduced from three to two in 2018, leaving him with Basie van Lill and Joshua Visser, which is not a bad team to have. Grown on red, iron-rich decomposed sandstone, this is one of the world's great whites, a bold, yet incredibly focused wine that is sappy, floral and almost ludicrously long on the palate.
98 Points
Tim Atkin MW

The 2018 Skurfberg, Sadie’s Chenin Blanc from Olifantsrivier, has a very neutral, pressed flower bouquet that is much more backward than the other crus. The well-balanced palate presents veins of marmalade and orange peel, wonderful tension and superb precision on the finish. Though backward at the moment, this will certainly repay cellaring.
94 points
Vinous

Delivery Information
- 93
2018 Sadie Family Swartland 'T Voetpad

Swartland, SOUTH AFRICA
$135. 00
Bottle
$1620.00 Dozen

ABV: 13%

Closure: Cork

T'Voetpad means The Footpath in Dutch and is the name of Dirk Brand's farm, where this extraordinary block of old vines is tucked away at the foot of the mountains. In a country of far-flung, isolated vineyards, this is believed to be the most isolated old vineyard in the country. Its 1.4 hectares host a clutch of varieties--Semillon Blanc, Semillon Gris, Palomino, Chenin Blanc and Muscat--progressively established between 1900-1928. All of the vines grow on their own roots. The vineyard lies in a hot valley in the north of Swartland, near the village of Aurora and Elands Bay on the coast, and its survival without irrigation--thanks to an underground river that flows underneath the mountain--is extraordinary. No herbicides are used, and in non-drought years, grasses between the vines help dry out the soils, while also driving the vine roots deeper. T'Voetpad's soils are heavily decomposed sandstone, and the wine it gifts is a true field blend; the varieties are picked and pressed together, before co-fermenting in old wooden casks.

Other Reviews....
T'Voetpad is my South African white wine of the year for the second time in succession, but one thing is certain: it will be someone else's turn next year, as no 2019 was produced. This incredible old vineyard, preserved from the bulldozers by its isolation and a certain amount of bloody mindedness, is a field blend of Semillon, Palomino, Chenin Blanc and Muscat, perfectly combined in a wine that should sell for five times the price. Pear, lime, beeswax, citrus and orange peel flavours segue into a salty, mineral-etched finish.
99 points
Tim Atkin MW

The 2018 T'Voetpad has a perfumed bouquet of nectarine, jasmine and wet wool, nicely defined but requiring a little encouragement from the glass. The palate is fresh and vibrant on the entry, offering orange peel and marmalade notes, a tang of lemongrass and a bright, effervescent finish that lingers in the mouth. Delightful.
93 points
Neal Martin, Vinous

Delivery Information
- 93
- 93
2017 Sadie Family Swartland Palladius

Swartland, SOUTH AFRICA
$220. 00
Bottle
$2640.00 Dozen

ABV: 13.5%

Closure: Cork

Sadie's signature white, Palladius, is a blend of all eleven of Swartland's official white varieties, with old, bush-vine Chenin Blanc playing the principal role. The idea is to produce a great white that represents the overall terroir of Swartland (as much as this is possible) and to use all of the permitted varieties. As a result, this is harvested from seventeen separate vineyard sites, with the full list of grapes comprising: Grenache Blanc, Clairette Blanche, Viognier, Verdelho, Roussanne, Marsanne, Semillon, Palomino and Colombard, as well as the hyper-rare Semillon Gris (which plays a key role in Sadie's Kokerboom and T'Voetpad Old Vine Series cuvées). Scattered throughout the Swartland, most of the vineyards are rooted in decomposed Paardeberg Granite (although four parcels lie on sandstone) and qualify for old vine status (35-plus years with the oldest vines planted in 1935). The younger fruit comes from Sadie's own plantings, though even here the yields max out at 22 hl/ha.

Other Reviews....
The 2016 Palladius comes from 17 different vineyards and was fermented in clay amphora and concrete egg and aged for first year, then racked and aged for additional year in old foudres prior to bottling. It has a well defined bouquet, quite neutral in style but blossoming with aeration to reveal hints of lanolin and melted candle wax. The palate is well balanced with crisp acidity, touches of curry leaf and spice and orange peel. A long tail on the finish of white pepper and sage completes this wonderful Palladius.
93 points
Vinous

Broad and lush in feel, featuring creamed melon, pear and yellow apple fruit flavors, framed by warm meringue, white ginger and brioche notes. The long finish flows nicely.
93 points
Wine Spectator

Chenin Blanc, Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Colombard, Palomino, Semillon Blanc, Semillon Gris, Roussanne, Verdelho, Clairette Blanche, Viognier. Fermented in clay amphora & concrete egg and aged for the first year, then racked & aged for additional year in old foudres. Unfined & unfiltered.
96 points
Tim Atkin, MW

Delivery Information
- 93
2018 Sadie Family Swartland Skerpioen Chenin Blanc Palomino

Swartland, SOUTH AFRICA
$110. 00
Bottle
$1320.00 Dozen

ABV: 12.5%

Closure: Cork

Named after the abundant native scorpions that make their home here, Skerpioen is an unirrigated 2.4-hectare, 80+-year-old vineyard of half Palomino and half Chenin Blanc just 2 km from the Atlantic Ocean. The soils here are very chalky, a type of soil that Sadie likens to the white albariza of Andalucía. Fitting then that the vines here are 50% Palomino. This is also one of the coolest parts of the Swartland, yet also a very dry location (with an average rainfall of around 300 mm per year), which naturally restricts the yields and concentrates the fruit, magnifying the vineyards' characteristic saline intensity. This parcel produces an average, tiny yield of 24 hl/ha. The grapes are picked and pressed together and naturally co-ferment in old wooden casks. The result is a stunning and complex white that is completely unique. There is both a lovely pulpy core of fruit, (notes of grapefruit, white florals, anise, lemon curd and nutty complexity) and a bracing freshness, as well as a pungent salty minerality on the lingering finish. Pretty much as close as an unfortified white can get to a great Manzanilla Pasada.

Other Reviews....
The 2017 Skerpioen is an equal blend of Chenin Blanc and Palomino from 80-year-old unirrigated vines on pure limestone soils. It has a crisp, marine-influenced, cockle-shell-scented bouquet, veering toward Chablis in style. The palate is beautifully balanced, with a fine line of acidity, and very saline in the mouth. Walnut and a dab of ginger emerge toward the finish. Excellent."
93 points
Vinous

Delivery Information
- 93
2017 Sadie Family Swartland Skerpioen Chenin Blanc Palomino

Swartland, SOUTH AFRICA
$99. 99
Bottle
$1199.88 Dozen

ABV: 12.5%

Closure: Cork

Other Reviews....
The 2017 Skerpioen is an equal blend of Chenin Blanc and Palomino from 80-year-old unirrigated vines on pure limestone soils. It has a crisp, marine-influenced, cockle-shell-scented bouquet, veering toward Chablis in style. The palate is beautifully balanced, with a fine line of acidity, and very saline in the mouth. Walnut and a dab of ginger emerge toward the finish. Excellent.”
93 points
Neal Martin - Vinous

Delivery Information
- 96
2017 Sadie Family Citrusdal Mountain Skurfberg Chenin Blanc

Swartland, SOUTH AFRICA
$99. 99
Bottle
$1199.88 Dozen

ABV: 14%

Closure: Cork

Other Reviews....
The 2017 Skurfberg is 100% Chenin Blanc from a 1.5-hectare parcel planted between 1940 and 1955 and was fermented and aged in old foudres. It has a very sophisticated bouquet of Japanese yuzu, mirabelle, a little honeysuckle and a light turpentine scent. The palate is beautifully balanced with perfect acidity, veins of stem ginger and a touch of curry leaf fanning out wonderfully on the finish along with hints of white peach and melon. This is one of the standouts from Eben this year.
96 points
Neal Martin - Vinous

Delivery Information
- 93
2016 Sadie Family Swartland Palladius

Swartland, SOUTH AFRICA
$199. 00
Bottle
$2388.00 Dozen

ABV: 13.5%

Closure: Cork

Other Reviews....
The 2016 Palladius comes from 17 different vineyards and was fermented in clay amphora and concrete egg and aged for first year, then racked and aged for additional year in old foudres prior to bottling. It has a well-defined bouquet, quite neutral in style but blossoming with aeration to reveal hints of lanolin and melted candle wax. The palate is well balanced with crisp acidity, touches of curry leaf and spice and orange peel. A long tail on the finish of white pepper and sage completes this wonderful Palladius.
93 points
Neal Martin - Vinous

Delivery Information
- 90
2013 Sailing Sauvignon Blanc

Marlborough, NEW ZEALAND
$13. 99
Bottle
$167.88 Dozen

Minimum 12 bottles

Cellar: Drink now (2015)

ABV: 12%

Closure: Stelvin

Brilliant water like colour with a light greenish tinge around the edges and a watery hue. Lifted passionfruit top notes dominate the nose followed by some gooseberries and light capsicum end notes. The palate is not as ripe as the nose suggests displaying flavours of herbaceous gooseberries, citrus and capsicum. Clean crisp dry finish with an aftertaste of herbaceous grassy gooseberries, citrus and capsicum.
Drink now.
Alc 12%

Delivery Information
- 94
2022 Saint Clair Origin Sauvignon Blanc

Marlborough, NEW ZEALAND
$23. 99
Bottle
$287.88 Dozen

Cellar: Drink now - 1 Years (2023-2024)

ABV: 12.5%

Closure: Stelvin

Brilliant water like core with greenish toned edges. Intense passionfruit, gooseberry and green apple aromas leap out of the glass complimented by some asparagus and herbaceous grassy notes. Zippy passionfruit, green apple and gooseberry fruits are underscored by crisp mouth watering acidity. Herbaceous grassy characters and flinty mineral elements shine through on the back half. Finishes dry with a racy aftertaste.
Drink over the next year.
Alc. 12.5%

Delivery Information
- 95
2021 Saint Clair Pioneer Block 1 Foundation Sauvignon Blanc

Marlborough, NEW ZEALAND
$32. 99
Bottle
$395.88 Dozen

Cellar: Drink now - 2 Years (2022-2024)

ABV: 13%

Closure: Stelvin

Brilliant water like core with distinct highlights of green skirting the edges. Pungent aromas of passionfruit, herbaceous gooseberries and green apple mix with some grassy asparagus and mineral notes. The scrumptious palate is intensely flavoured with passionfruit, ripe gooseberry and limes. Herbaceous grassy and stony mineral characters lie underneath. Crisp acidity with a long concentrated, mouth watering finish.
Drink over the next 1-2 years.
Alc. 13%

Delivery Information
- 95
2020 Saint Clair Pioneer Block Foundation Block 1 Sauvignon Blanc

Marlborough, NEW ZEALAND
$29. 99
Bottle
$359.88 Dozen

Cellar: Drink now - 2 Years (2021-2023)

ABV: 13%

Closure: Stelvin

Brilliant water like colour with greenish tinged edges. A pungent mix of passionfruit, gooseberry and grapefruit aromas leap out of the glass followed by some grassy asparagus and herbaceous lime notes. The brisk, intensely flavoured palate is filled with passionfruit, gooseberry and grapefruit. Lime, herbaceous grassy elements and subtle slatey mineral characters come through on the back half. Dry crisp finish with a long refreshing aftertaste.
Drink over the next 1-2 years.
Alc. 13%

Delivery Information
- 96
2019 Saint Clair Pioneer Block 1 Foundation Sauvignon Blanc

Marlborough, NEW ZEALAND
$29. 99
Bottle
$359.88 Dozen

Cellar: Drink now - 2 Years (2021-2023)

ABV: 13%

Closure: Stelvin

This vineyard site has proved to be the building block for some of Saint Clair’s finest wines - it’s where Saint Clair first discovered the fruit to make their flagship Saint Clair Wairau Reserve Sauvignon Blanc.
Brilliant water like colour with greenish tinged edges. Pungent gooseberry and passionfruit aromas are trailed by notions of tomato leaf, herbaceous grassy characters and stony mineral notes. Mouth watering flavours of gooseberry and passionfruit burst across the palate underscored by citrus, herbaceous grassy characters and minerals. Dry crisp finish with a long, vibrant and intensely flavoured aftertaste.
Drink over the next 1-2 years.
Alc. 13%

Delivery Information
- 95
2018 Saint Clair Wairau Reserve Sauvignon Blanc

Marlborough, NEW ZEALAND
$34. 99
Bottle
$419.88 Dozen

Cellar: Drink now - 3 Years (2019-2022)

ABV: 12.5%

Closure: Stelvin

Brilliant water like colour with a vivid greenish tinge around the edges. Intense ripe gooseberry, passionfruit and guava aromas sail out of the glass with citrusy green apple and some subtle herbaceous grassy characters ensuing. Bursting with flavour the palate is decorated with gooseberry, passionfruit, green apple and citrus characters underpinned by light herbaceous grassy characters and minerals. Crisp refreshing finish. Excellent length with a long persistent aftertaste.
Drink over the next 2-3 years.
Alc. 12.5%

Delivery Information
- 94
2015 Saint Clair Sauvignon Blanc

Marlborough, NEW ZEALAND
$15. 99
Bottle
$191.88 Dozen

Cellar: Drink now - 1 Years (2015-2016)

ABV: 13%

Closure: Stelvin

Brilliant water like colour with a very faint greenish tinge around the outskirts and a watery hue. Pronounced passionfruit and herbaceous gooseberry aromas exude from the glass followed by some citrus, light grassy characters and capsicum. Lively and possessing good concentration the palate is generously flavoured with passionfruit and gooseberries over a touch of herbaceous grassy characters, citrus and faint capsicum. Clean crisp acidity with a long aftertaste of passionfruit, gooseberry, herbaceous grassy characters and fresh green capsicum. Great Value.
Drink now.
Alc 13%

Delivery Information
- 95
2014 Saint Clair Wairau Reserve Sauvignon Blanc

Marlborough, NEW ZEALAND
$32. 99
Bottle
$395.88 Dozen

Cellar: 2 - 3 Years (2017-2018)

ABV: 13%

Closure: Stelvin

Brilliant water like colour with the very faintest tinge of green around the outskirts and a watery hue. The nose displays excellent intensity with aromas of passionfruit, herbaceous grassy gooseberries and fresh asparagus followed by some citrus, capsicum and light spice. The palate is reflective of the nose with vibrant herbaceous grassy characters, gooseberries and asparagus to the fore over some light capsicum and faint spice. Clean crisp finish. Long aftertaste of herbaceous grassy characters, citrus, asparagus, capsicum and light spice.
Drink over the next 2-3 years.
Alc 13%

Delivery Information
- 95
2015 Saint Clair Wairau Reserve Sauvignon Blanc

Marlborough, NEW ZEALAND
$32. 99
Bottle
$395.88 Dozen

Cellar: 2 - 3 Years (2018-2019)

ABV: 13.5%

Closure: Stelvin

Brilliant water like colour with a light greenish tinge around the edges and a watery hue. Pungent aromas of passionfruit and herbaceous gooseberries are overlaid by some grassy characters with hints of citrus and capsicum as an end note. The palate is filled with herbaceous gooseberries, passionfruit and citrus with some grassy green apple like characters also apparent, finishing with tangy citrus. Crisp and dry with along aftertaste of tangy citrus, passionfruit, herbaceous gooseberries and crunchy green apple. An elegant racy Sauvignon Blanc.
Drink over the next 2-3 years.
Alc 13.5%

Delivery Information
- 88
2016 Saint Clair Sauvignon Blanc

Marlborough, NEW ZEALAND
$16. 99
Bottle
$203.88 Dozen

Cellar: Drink now - 2 Years (2017-2019)

ABV: 13%

Closure: Stelvin

Brilliant water like colour with a faint greenish tinge around the outskirts. The nose offers up a mixture of passionfruit, gooseberries and citrus with grassy herbaceous end notes. The palate is quite light and although refreshing lacks length. Flavours of passionfruit, citrus, subtle herbaceous characters and mineral are apparent. Crisp dry finish with a modest aftertaste of passionfruit, citrus, light herbaceous characters and mineral.
Drink over the next 1-2 years.
Alc 13%

Delivery Information
- 96
2012 Saint Clair Block 3 43 Degrees Sauvignon Blanc

Marlborough, NEW ZEALAND
$24. 99
Bottle
$299.88 Dozen

Cellar: Drink now - 2 Years (2013-2015)

ABV: 13%

Closure: Screw Cap

Saint Clair’s Block 3 vineyard rows are planted north-east to south-west, which leads to slightly greener characters in grapes on the south side and more tropical characters in grapes on the north facing side. The resulting wine is therefore multi-dimensional and complex. This is a cooler site and slower to ripen.
With their Pioneer Block Series of wines Saint Clair have established a reputation as one of New Zealand’s leading Sauvignon Blanc producers.
Brilliant watery like colour with light greenish tinge around the edges and watery hue. On the nose scents of passionfruit, citrus and green apple are overlaid by some herbaceous grassy gooseberry characters with a touch of mineral as an end note. The palate boasts superb flavour concentration and persistence with mouthfilling passionfruit and citrus followed by some gooseberry, herbaceous grassy characters and mineral. Clean crisp acid finish with very long passionfruit, herbaceous gooseberry, citrus and mineral aftertaste.
Drink over the next 1-2 years (2013-2015)
Alc 13.0%

Delivery Information
- 94
2016 Saint Clair Pioneer Block 43 Degrees Block 3 Sauvignon Blanc

Marlborough, NEW ZEALAND
$29. 99
Bottle
$359.88 Dozen

Cellar: Drink now - 2 Years (2018-2020)

ABV: 12.5%

Closure: Stelvin

Brilliant water like colour with greenish tinged edges. Pronounced herbaceous gooseberry aromas combine with zesty citrus, passionfruit and green apple notes followed by grassy asparagus characters. On the palate playful passionfruit and herbaceous gooseberry flavours mix with citrus, green apple and grassy asparagus characters. Dry finish with fresh acidity and a long aftertaste of passionfruit, herbaceous grassy gooseberries, citrus and green apple.
Drink over the next 1-2 years.
Alc. 12.5%

Delivery Information
- 96
2020 Saint Clair Family Estate Wairau Reserve Sauvignon Blanc

Marlborough, NEW ZEALAND
$32. 99
Bottle
$395.88 Dozen

Cellar: Drink now - 3 Years (2021-2024)

ABV: 13%

Closure: Stelvin

Saint Clair’s Wairau Reserve Sauvignon Blanc is produced from the very best batch of wine from any particular vintage.
Brilliant water like colour with a subtle tinge of green around the outskirts. Pungent passionfruit and herbaceous gooseberry scents meld into grassy asparagus like notes, zesty citrus and light flint. Dazzling the concentrated palate are spritely passionfruit and gooseberry flavours which are underscored by herbaceous grassy characters, fresh asparagus, a dash of lime and complexing flinty elements. Finishes dry and crisp with a long scrumptious aftertaste.
Drink over the next 2-3 years.
Alc. 13%

Delivery Information
- 89
2014 Salomon Wieden & Berg Gruner Veltliner

Undhof, AUSTRIA
$27. 99
Bottle
$335.88 Dozen

Minimum 12 bottles

Cellar: 1 - 2 Years (2017-2018)

ABV: 12.5%

Closure: Stelvin

Brilliant water like colour with a faint greenish tinge around the outskirts and a watery hue. Fresh pear and ripe lime like aromas are overlaid by a hint of musk and some faint lychee. Light and fresh the palate has flavours of ripe pear, subtle musk and spice with some mineral infusions on the crisp dry finish. Aftertaste of pear, lime, subtle musk and mineral.
Drink over the next 2-3 years.
Alc 12.5%

Delivery Information
- 91
2013 Salomon Wieden & Berg Gruner Veltliner

Undhof, AUSTRIA
$29. 99
Bottle
$359.88 Dozen

Minimum 12 bottles

Cellar: 3 - 4 Years (2018-2019)

ABV: 12.5%

Closure: Stelvin

Re-tasted on 12/06/2015
Brilliant water like colour with a distinctive greenish tinge around the edges and a watery hue. Aromas of pear and citrus are followed by some light orange and flinty mineral end notes. Light and refreshing the palate has flavours of pear and citrus alongside some ripe lime finishing flinty and crisp with mineral infusions. Aftertaste of pear, lime and flinty mineral.
Drink over the next 3-4 years.
Alc 12.5%

Brilliant water like colour with a greenish tinge around the edges and a watery hue. Light and floral the nose displays delicate scents of pear, citrus, a hint of orange blossom and light mineral. Light and crisp, flavours of pear, citrus, light honeysuckle and subtle minerality move delicately across the palate. Lively acidity with an aftertaste of pear, citrus, light honeysuckle and mineral.
Drink over the next 2-3 years.
Alc 12.5%

Delivery Information
- 95
- 93
2022 Samuel Billaud Sechet Vieilles Vignes Chablis Premier Cru

Chablis, FRANCE
$199. 00
Bottle
$2388.00 Dozen

ABV: 13%

Closure: Cork

While the origins of this domaine date back to Charles-Louis-Noel Billaud in 1815, it's the current generation winemaker Samuel Billaud that has made waves with the exceptional quality of his wines produced since the creation of this project in 2009. Following the sale of the family business Domaine Billaud-Simon to Faiveley in 2014, Samuel received further prized parcels of land and now makes wines from five of the grand cru vineyards, and five of the top premier cru vineyards. The wines are vinified in a mixture of stainless steel and large old wood barrels, the latter mainly for the premier and grand cru wines.
Other Reviews....
The cool and reticent nose reluctantly but clearly confirms that this could be from nowhere else but Chablis, particularly with the prominent quinine influence on the aromas of lemon confit. The dense, palate soaking and powerful yet refined flavors deliver stunningly good length on the super-sleek and impeccably well-balanced finale. This is terrific and it's not often that Séchet can best a fine Montée de Tonnerre but in 2022, it appears to have done so. Note that at least moderate patience will be necessary and overall, if you can find it, buy it. Drink through 2030+.
93 points
Allen Meadows - Burghound
The 2022 Chablis Les Séchets 1er Cru has a potent lime, lemon zest and oyster shell scented bouquet that has plenty of vigor. The palate is very well balanced with a sapid entry, and fine weight. It is the most compact of Billaud's Premier Crus and will therefore require more time in bottle. It will be worth the wait though. Drink 2027-2045.
93 points
Neal Martin - Vinous
A perfect mid lemon expression, the nose is sublime with dancing stones, and such a dynamic freshness. Wonderful finesse with its pure and balanced fruit throughout, extends so far on the back of the palate and treads with such a light touch. Drink from 2028-2038.
95 points
Jasper Morris MW - Inside Burgundy
A special bottling from vines more than 90 years old: a vineyard marked by a high proportion of stones and old rootstock. Although it ages as well as Montée de Tonnerre, Billaud's Séchet will finish in a different place. Matured only in stainless steel for 18 months on lees with one racking, it's really very classy and long. A great combination of pear fruit, touch of sunny peach on the palate with abundant minerality to finish. Drink 2025 - 2031.
95 points
Andy Howard MW - Decanter

Delivery Information
2022 Samuel Billaud Valmur Chablis Grand Cru

Chablis, FRANCE
$399. 00
Bottle
$4788.00 Dozen

ABV: 13%

Closure: Cork

While the origins of this domaine date back to Charles-Louis-Noel Billaud in 1815, it's the current generation winemaker Samuel Billaud that has made waves with the exceptional quality of his wines produced since the creation of this project in 2009. Following the sale of the family business Domaine Billaud-Simon to Faiveley in 2014, Samuel received further prized parcels of land and now makes wines from five of the grand cru vineyards, and five of the top premier cru vineyards. The wines are vinified in a mixture of stainless steel and large old wood barrels, the latter mainly for the premier and grand cru wines.

Delivery Information
- 95
2022 Samuel Billaud Les Preuses Chablis Grand Cru

Chablis, FRANCE
$399. 00
Bottle
$4788.00 Dozen

ABV: 13%

Closure: Cork

While the origins of this domaine date back to Charles-Louis-Noel Billaud in 1815, it's the current generation winemaker Samuel Billaud that has made waves with the exceptional quality of his wines produced since the creation of this project in 2009. Following the sale of the family business Domaine Billaud-Simon to Faiveley in 2014, Samuel received further prized parcels of land and now makes wines from five of the grand cru vineyards, and five of the top premier cru vineyards. The wines are vinified in a mixture of stainless steel and large old wood barrels, the latter mainly for the premier and grand cru wines.
Other Reviews....
More moderate wood surrounds the overtly floral-suffused nose of softly exotic white peach, Granny Smith apple, sea breeze and pretty spice whiffs. The succulent, round and plump flavors are finer still while exuding a refreshing salinity on the very dry and sneaky long finish that offers better depth. The innate class of a fine Preuses is clearly present and this should be really lovely in time. Drink through 2030+.
93 points
Allen Meadows - Burghound
The 2022 Chablis Les Preuses Grand Cru has an outstanding nose, very complex with oyster shell and dew-speckled Granny Smith. Real intensity and drive here. The palate is well balanced with a harmonious entry, a fine bead of acidity, just a little spice entering the fray towards the finish. Again, the oak is seamlessly enmeshed here. Absolute class from start to finish. Drink 2027-2048.
95 points
Neal Martin - Vinous
35+ year old vines, from the middle of Blanchot. The wood does not obstruct, but is it actually necessary? Little white flowers. Superbly fresh finish where the elegance of the vineyard absolutely drives through. I can feel my teeth being cleaned by the crisp mineral finish. Drink from 2028-2038.
93 points
Jasper Morris MW - Inside Burgundy

Delivery Information
- 97
2022 Samuel Billaud Vaudesir Chablis Grand Cru

Chablis, FRANCE
$399. 00
Bottle
$4788.00 Dozen

ABV: 13%

Closure: Cork

While the origins of this domaine date back to Charles-Louis-Noel Billaud in 1815, it's the current generation winemaker Samuel Billaud that has made waves with the exceptional quality of his wines produced since the creation of this project in 2009. Following the sale of the family business Domaine Billaud-Simon to Faiveley in 2014, Samuel received further prized parcels of land and now makes wines from five of the grand cru vineyards, and five of the top premier cru vineyards. The wines are vinified in a mixture of stainless steel and large old wood barrels, the latter mainly for the premier and grand cru wines.
Other Reviews....
Generous but not dominant wood influence frames lightly exotic aromas of white peach, apricot, lychee and a hint of sea breeze. There is outstanding volume and mid-palate density to the wonderfully sleek and more refined mineral-driven flavors that coat the mouth with dry extract on the chalky, detailed and beautifully balanced finale. This too could use better depth but it's strikingly stylish and has the underlying material to develop more complexity with time in bottle. Drink through 2030+.
93 points
Allen Meadows - Burghound
The 2022 Chablis Vaudésir Grand Cru comes from two parcels, one on the east and the other on the west side of the climat that have different degrees of sunshine. It has a lovely bouquet with mirabelle, lime and orange blossom scents that gain intensity with aeration. The palate is very well balanced with a fine bead of acidity. Harmonious and poised, this has life-affirming tension on the finish. One of the most sophisticated and cerebral wines of the vintage. Drink 2026-250.
97 points
Neal Martin - Vinous
Samuel Billaud has vines on each side of the valley. The nose is notably more backward with an amazing crystalline character cutting right through the flesh. A level above the others. All the intensity, nothing vulgar here or too ripe. An extraordinary rendition. The oak is perfectly proportioned. Drink from 2030-2040.
96 points
Jasper Morris MW - Inside Burgundy

Delivery Information
- 86
2021 Samuel Billaud Bourgogne d'Or Chardonnay

Burgundy, FRANCE
$69. 99
Bottle
$839.88 Dozen

ABV: 12.5%

Closure: Cork

Other Reviews....
An attractively floral nose speaks of pear liqueur and enough Chablis character to be persuasive. The delicious, succulent and rounded middleweight flavors possess unusually good volume for a wine at this level allied with fine punch that carries over to the refreshingly dry finish. This offers solid quality for its level in a package that should afford early drinkability. Drink through 2023+.
87 points
Allen Meadows - Burghound
Bottled three weeks prior to my visit, the 2021 Bourgogne d’Or has a pretty nose with lemon verbena and light apricot scents. The palate is fresh on the entry with fine acidity, quite sharp at the moment with bitter lemon on the finish. Fine. Drink 2023-2026.
86 points
Neal Martin - Vinous
A mix from the Auxerrois and Mâconnais, all vinified in tank, and bottled at the end May. Pale colour, with a light touch of sulphur after bottling, but a pretty and floral bouquet behind. Light and fresh with an attractive grapey quality. Tastes more Auxerrois than Mâconnais.
86 points
Jasper Morris MW - Inside Burgundy

Delivery Information
- 92
- 94
2020 Samuel Billaud Sechet Vieilles Vignes Chablis Premier Cru

Chablis, FRANCE
$135. 00
Bottle
$1620.00 Dozen

ABV: 13%

Closure: Cork

While the origins of this domaine date back to Charles-Louis-Noel Billaud in 1815, it's the current generation winemaker Samuel Billaud that has made waves with the exceptional quality of his wines produced since the creation of this project in 2009. Following the sale of the family business Domaine Billaud-Simon to Faiveley in 2014, Samuel received further prized parcels of land and now makes wines from five of the grand cru vineyards, and five of the top premier cru vineyards. The wines are vinified in a mixture of stainless steel and large old wood barrels, the latter mainly for the premier and grand cru wines.
Other Reviews....
A classic Chablis nose, in fact it would be difficult to mistake it for anything else, precedes racy, delineated and overtly mineral-driven flavors that flash outstanding length on the stony, bone-dry and focused finale. While very tight today, I suspect that this impressive effort will open up moderately quickly. Drink through 2026+.
91-94 points
Allen Meadows - Burghound
Always one of the highlights in Billaud's range, the 2020 Chablis 1er Cru Séchet Vieilles Vignes has once again turned out brilliantly. Exhibiting aromas of crisp orchard fruit, white currants, citrus zest, pastry cream and freshly baked bread, it's medium to full-bodied, layered and chiseled, with an ample core of fruit, racy acids and a long, saline finish. It's worth a special effort to seek out. Drink 2025 - 2045.
94 points
William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Jul 2022)
The 2020 Chablis Les Séchets 1er Cru comes from vines that were planted by Billaud’s grandmother and are now 80 years old. It is matured entirely in tank and presents a crisp, slightly chalky bouquet, more reserved than other cuvées. The palate is poised and vibrant, with a crisp line of acidity. The fresh, tensile, white-peach- and pear-driven finish leaves bitter lemon on the aftertaste. Beautiful. Drink 2025-2048.
92-94 points
Neal Martin - Vinous
Planted by Samuel’s great-grandparents in the 1930s. Pale lemon colour with a light pale green reflection. This is a serious and classical nose that can stand up to being served after the richer terroirs. There is a delicate sweetness of fruit. So fine, really classy. So light on its feet. Brilliant wine!
93-95 points
Jasper Morris MW - Inside Burgundy

Delivery Information
- 91
2020 Samuel Billaud Mont de Milieu Chablis Premier Cru

Chablis, FRANCE
$135. 00
Bottle
$1620.00 Dozen

ABV: 13%

Closure: Cork

While the origins of this domaine date back to Charles-Louis-Noel Billaud in 1815, it's the current generation winemaker Samuel Billaud that has made waves with the exceptional quality of his wines produced since the creation of this project in 2009. Following the sale of the family business Domaine Billaud-Simon to Faiveley in 2014, Samuel received further prized parcels of land and now makes wines from five of the grand cru vineyards, and five of the top premier cru vineyards. The wines are vinified in a mixture of stainless steel and large old wood barrels, the latter mainly for the premier and grand cru wines.
Other Reviews....
Billaud noted that this will have about 20% wood in the final blend. Here too there is a vague whiff of the exotic to the aromas of passion fruit, white peach, mineral reduction and shrimp shell scents. There is again very good density to the intense big-bodied flavors that possess a caressing but muscular finish that coats the palate. This is already showing fine complexity and overall, is a wine that should amply repay extended bottle aging. Drink through 2027+.
91-94 points
Allen Meadows - Burghound
From three parcels, 80, 35 and 75 years old, harvested separately with one or two days between, the 2020 Chablis Mont de Milieu 1er Cru is aged 80% in tank and 20% in 500-liter barrels for 18 months. It is very complex on the nose, offering apple blossom, freshly diced pear, sea spray and flinty aromas. The palate is well balanced, taut and fresh, delivering a fine bead of acidity and a toothsome finish with plenty of sapidity. Excellent. Drink 2024-2048.
91-93 points
Neal Martin - Vinous
From three plots which Samuel owns, covering from bottom to top of the vineyard, mostly old vines. 20% has been made in 450 litre wood, the rest in tank. Pretty lemon colour with light green touches, a certain weight of vivid powerful white fruit on the nose. Perfectly balanced on the palate, generous in style as ever, pure white fruit. Striking mineral finish while the weight is halfway to grand cru.
92-95 points
Jasper Morris MW - Inside Burgundy

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