Sadie Family
Skerpioen 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 produced a Skerpioen of greater immediacy and expressive fruit than the 2015 and 2016 releases before it, more forthcoming in youth yet preserving the same saline, earthy, chalky character that makes this site entirely unlike any other in the Cape. Sadie Family's 2017 Skerpioen earned 96 points from Tim Atkin MW and 93 points from both Neal Martin at Vinous and Christian Eedes at Winemag.co.za
Provenance
Private Client
Critics Ratings
'Plump and friendly, with a nicely melded mix of pear, yellow apple and star fruit flavors, laced with salted butter and meringue notes that ripple on the finish. Chenin Blanc and Palomino. Drink now through 2022.' - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 92/100 (May 2019)
'Interplanted chenin & palomino off unique chalky West Coast soils, co-fermented/year very old foudres. 2017 more expressive in youth than 2016 (90 pts), 2015 (93 pts), yellow stonefruit, white peach fruitedness; as saline & earthy, though; well-judged acidity brings focus & length.' - Platter's SA Wine Guide 2019, 4.5* (92/100)
'Unusually for the West Coast, the Skerpioen vineyard is on limestone soils close to the Atlantic. This equal cuvée of Chenin Blanc and Palomino is "our Chablis" according to Eben Sadie. Fresh, mouth-watering and saline, this is a wonderfully complex wine with subtle struck match notes and grapefruity acidity. 2020-28' - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2018, 96/100
'The 2017 Skerpioen is an equal blend of Chenin Blanc and Palomino from 80-year-old unirrigated vines on pure limestone soils. It has a crisp, marine-influenced, cockle-shell-scented bouquet, veering toward Chablis in style. The palate is beautifully balanced, with a fine line of acidity, and very saline in the mouth. Walnut and a dab of ginger emerge toward the finish. Excellent.' - Neal Martin, Vinous, 93/100 (Aug 2018)
'A Swartland field blend of Chenin Blanc and Palamino planted between 1958 and 1967. The predominant impression on the nose is of white fruit - pear and white peach - but there are also hints of naartjie, hay and herbs. The palate is pure and direct - not too lean or thin but certainly not weighty. Very fresh acidity and a long, pithy finish.' - Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 93/100 (Nov 2018)
More from Cape Heritage, Sweet Wines, Ports, Brandy & Spirits
