The Sadie Family Palladius 2021

The Sadie Family Palladius 2021 is a benchmark South African multi-varietal white blend produced by winemaker Eben Sadie. Sourced from 17 distinct, low-yielding old-vine sites across the Swartland, it undergoes whole-bunch pressing and spontaneous fermentation, followed by 12 months of aging in concrete eggs and clay amphorae and an additional 12 months in large neutral oak foudres. In the glass, it exhibits a brilliant straw color with complex aromas of waxed lemon, dried apricots, white flowers, sea salt, melted candle wax, and subtle herbal nuances. On the palate, it is medium-to-full-bodied and layered with incredible tension and texture, offering notes of lemon pastry cream, ginger, and stone fruit balanced by a piercing streak of natural acidity and a long, saline, mineral finish.

Food Pairing: Pairs wonderfully with roasted pork belly, grilled lobster with herb butter, pan-seared scallops, creamy poultry dishes, and aged goat cheese.

99 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Toeing the line to triple digits, the 2021 Palladius is a blend of Chenin Blanc, Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne, Viognier, Sémillon, Colombard, Verdellho and Palomino. Instantly impressive in the glass, the wine is bold with waxy aromas that sway with seductive notes of lemon pastry cream, dusty melon and citrus blossoms. Medium-bodied and with 13.7% alcohol, the palate is succulent and bright with fantastic acid and displays a kiss of phenolic bitterness that beams with focus and precision. Subtle notes of beeswax and lees drive the finish with immense complexity and considerable weight. The aftertaste summersaults with complexity, offering fresh and bright citrus notes with notions of dusty flowers. It will remain food friendly for decades. It's devastatingly beautiful and cerebral.

96 Points - James Suckling

This is showing aromas of waxed lemons, thyme, grapefruit rind, mango stones, apricots, white flowers and sea shells. Seductively supple, fresh, with bright acidity and a seashell-like minerality. Sophisticated, seamless blend that makes you think. Holding back a little at the moment. Blend of 35% chenin blanc, with equal parts of marsanne, roussanne, clairette, colombard, viognier, verdelho, palomino, grenache blanc, grenache gris, semillon blanc and semillon gris.