2024 Sadie Family Citrusdal Mountain Skurfberg Chenin Blanc

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....
Papayas, stones, apricots, chopped apples, hazelnuts and some rosemary on the nose. It’s compact and creamy, with a full body but lots of stony minerality, plus phenolic grip and texture. Salty and intense at the end. Chenin blanc planted on weathered limestone with high iron content. Drink or hold.
96 points
Claire Nesbitt - JamesSuckling.com

The 2024 Skurfberg comes from the north, drier areas of the Cape, the first picked of Sadie's Chenin Blancs. This has a lovely bouquet with beeswax, sea spray and light white linen scents, a touch of seaweed. The palate is well balanced with gentle grip, very linear, very strict, a wine that doesn't muck about. Serious, stern, yet the sapidity beckons you back for another sip. Drink 2026-2046.
93+ points
Neal Martin - Vinous