2024 Sadie Family Swartland Kokerboom Semillon

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....
Sliced pears, beeswax, grapefruit, wild herbs and juniper berries on the nose of this full-bodied, creamy white. Lots of weight and layering, with a waxy yet fresh feel. Spicy, long finish. Exciting hint of ginger and tobacco at the very end. Co-planted semillon and semillon gris. Drink or hold.
96 points
Claire Nesbitt - JamesSuckling.com

The 2024 Kokerboom is a blend of Sémillon Blanc and Gris. Mellow on the nose, this is the most timid of Sadie's '24s at the moment, with very light wet wool and earthy aromas. The palate is very spicy on the entry, with a touch of ginger, linear and minimalist for Sémillon, with a bright, sapid, slightly fiery finish. Very fine. Drink 2027-2047.
92 points
Neal Martin - Vinous