Critics Ratings

‘Equal chenin, palomino in taut 2014 blend brings back bracing sting in tail - missing in 2013 (5 stars, 96 pts), from vines grown in unique chalky West Coast soils (WO Swartland). Perfect fruit, acid balance & lower alcohol ensures impressive harmony in pithily structured, lively & profound wine.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2016, 4.5*

‘This bristles with energy, featuring a matchstick hint that imparts an edgy feel, while ginger, peach, nectarine and green almond notes bustle around the core. Lots of chamomile and jasmine elements fill in on the finish, along with a dash of bitter citrus oil. Needs time to settle in. Chenin Blanc and Palomino. Best from 2017 through 2021.’ – James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 93/100 (Apr 2016)

‘Chalk-based vineyards are comparatively rare in South Africa, but this Swartland site, planted with the unlikely combination of Palomino and Chenin Blanc in the 1960s, expresses its briney, limestone freshness. Saline and tangy, with taut, lemony bite, some struck match and impressive palate length. Drink: 2015-22’ - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2015, 96/100

‘Bright yellow. Pungent, underripe stone fruits, mint, orange liqueur, quinine, anise and elderflower on the distinctly salty nose. On the palate, captivating flavors of soft citrus fruits, lemon and sea-spray salinity are framed by powerful acidity (the highest of any of these wines). Very dense wine with plenty of body and a phenolic quality on the very long finish.’ – Stephen Tanzer, Vinous, 94/100 (Jun 2015)

‘Planted half a mile from the sea and 60 meters above sea level, the 2014 Old Vine Series Skerpioen is a Chenin Blanc and Palomino blend that was showing a reduced nose that slightly rubs out the delineation. There's something quite feral about the bouquet: wet wool, a bit of sea-spray and damp earth. The palate is well balanced with a keen line of acidity (there is 6.8 grams per liter of acidity), touches of smoke walnut and lanolin coming through with a nicely poised, lemon rind and nutmeg finish with a saline aftertaste. I would give this a good shake before pouring to get rid of any possible reduction and then enjoy this wonderful wine.’ – Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, 93/100 (Nov 2015)

‘Part of Eben Sadie’s Die Ouwingerdreeks (The Old Vine Series), Skerpioen is from a Swartland field blend of Chenin Blanc and Palomino planted between 1958 and 1967. I’ve liked previous vintages of this wine well enough but found it a bit perplexing on account of how restrained it is. In the case of the 2014, however, Sadie seems to have pared the wine even further back and the result is almost hypnotic. A hint of reduction, preserved lemon, dried herbs, baked earth. It’s extraordinarily lean and fresh and the finish is bone-dry.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 93/100 (Sep 2015)

Provenance

Private Client