2024 Sadie Family Swartland Skerpioen Chenin Blanc Palomino

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....
Fresh apricots, salted olives, sea shells, lemon curd and sage on the nose, as well as salted almonds. It’s creamy, textured and medium- to full-bodied, with a saline freshness. Long and delicious. Field blend of chenin blanc and palomino. Drink or hold.
96 points
Claire Nesbitt - JamesSuckling.com

The 2024 Skerpioen is the Chenin Blanc Palomino blend on limestone soils next to the coast, this year's fruit picked early. "The wine was much fuller than I thought and one of the best wines we have made from the site," according to Sadie. The Chenin part speaks louder than the Palomino at the moment, sea spray and shucked oyster shells unfolding on the nose. The palate is fresh and vibrant, very saline in style, certainly very marine influenced with Palomino finally finding its voice on the finish. Superb. Drink 2027-2042.
96 points
Neal Martin - Vinous