Sadie Family
Palladius 2017
Cape Heritage
About the SessionA selection of South Africa’s finest wines, inspired by our rich wine heritage and the unique character of the Cape Winelands. Chenin Blanc is celebrated for its remarkable versatility, producing an exceptional range of wine styles, particularly in South Africa, home to the oldest Chenin Blanc vines in the world. These historic vineyards continue to produce wines of great diversity, elegance, and ageing potential. The Pinotage selection showcases leading producers, all of whom have become consistent flag bearers for this proudly South African variety.
About this Item
The 2017 vintage in the Swartland produced a Palladius of intricate energy and layered complexity that Platter's South African Wine Guide awarded a maximum 5 stars and 98 points, calling it consummate, striking and distinguished, reflecting the Swartland rather than any single variety. Sadie Family's 2017 Palladius also earned 96 points from Tim Atkin MW and 95 points from Wine Spectator.
Provenance
Private Client
Critics Ratings
'Consummate white blend & one of this guide's highest-rated wines, 2017 being the 9th with the maximum 5 stars. Reflects Swartland rather than any of 11 varieties, including chenin. Has great energy, tension & sense of coolness in its intricate flavours & layers of texture. Striking & distinguished. Fermented/aged year on lees in clay amphora & concrete 'egg', further year older foudre.' - Platter's SA Wine Guide 2017, 5* (98/100)
'Even Eben Sadie can't always remember the 11 grapes that make up the blend of this white blend, dominated by Chenin Blanc, with Grenache Blanc, Clairette Blanche, Viognier, Verdelho, Roussanne, Marsanne and Semillon Gris among the supporting cast. Amphorae and concrete egg-fermented, it's a wine that's less blowsy than in the past, with pear, peach and citrus flavours, subtle oak and aromatic spices. 2020-26' - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2019, 96/100
'Impressively graceful, moving confidently across the palate. The firm but well-integrated acidity links notes of blanched almond, white raspberry, clementine, elderflower and cardamom. Nearly seamless, but this should develop further and show even more in a few years. Best from 2022 through 2036.' - Wine Spectator, 95/100 (Apr 2020)
'A gentle giant with a quiet nose that is shy yet possesses a pure minerality to the heart of its core, the 2017 Palladius has expressive and dusty citrus tones, with a wet river rock stoniness. The palate is balanced with a firm acidic edge and focus that is truly mindboggling. Medium-bodied with a long saline finish, the perplexing expression lingers with lemon oil, bee pollen and fine chalky powder. The acidity and balance in this wine are going to ensure that it possesses the ability to live on for decades in your cellar. Be patient. It's good now but it will get better in time.' - Anthony Mueller, Wine Advocate, 93+/100 (Oct 2019)
'The 2017 Palladius is matured in a mixture of concrete and clay. It gradually unfurls with brioche, praline and honeysuckle aromas, wonderfully focused and precise. The well-balanced palate delivers orange zest and tangerine on the entry. The acidity is very well judged and there is real brightness and tension toward the finish. Is it the most complex Palladius Sadie has ever made? Maybe not, but it is still a beautiful wine.' - Neal Martin, Vinous, 93/100 (Oct 2019)
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