2021 Palladius
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Tasting notes
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. 12,400 bottles were produced after the grapes were whole-bunch pressed and rested in concrete and amphora.
Critic scores
Jancis Robinson MW
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
The 2021 Palladius is aged in concrete eggs and amphora for 12 months plus 12 months in old foudre . Sadie said he is most proud of this vintage over the last decade. It has a well-defined lanolin, yellow fruit, melted candle wax and fern nose. The palate is supremely well-balanced, with a killer line of acidity counterbalancing the concentration. An underlying touch of bitter lemon and ginger surfaces towards the harmonious and persistent finish. Superb energy here.
Chenin Blanc, Grenache Blanc, Clairette Blanche, Viognier, Verdelho, Roussanne, Marsanne, Sémillon Gris, Sémillon Blanc, Palomino and Colombard. From 17 vineyards: Paardeberg (14 vineyards), Piketberg (1 vineyard), St Helena Bay (2 vineyards). 29 hl/ha. Ageing 12 months in amphora and concrete, 12 months in old foudre. Stone fruit with flinty, gingery freshness, opening to reveal whiffs of quince and green pineapple. Despite the plushness on entry, the wine is remarkably austere the longer it stays on the palate. Hints of white pepper and wildflowers fantail in the extended and persistent finish. (MF)
The 2021 Palladius, the wine that has gone through the biggest transition at the domaine, is matured in concrete eggs and clay amphora for 12 months and 12 months in foudres . It has an exquisite bouquet with touches of yellow flower, melted wax, lanolin and light slate aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with fine acidity, taut and fresh, very linear and gaining weight towards the finish that lingers in the mouth. Touches of white pepper and Provençal herb stay long in the mouth. Class shines through here.
About the producer
Since he started making wine under his own name in 2000, Eben Sadie became a cult name in South Africa. The Swartland producer is best known for his flagship Columella and Palladius, but he also makes a range of whites and reds under the Old Vine Series, which became the District Series in 2025.
Product details
Chenin Blanc/Steen, Garnacha Blanca/Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Semillon, Palomino, Viognier, Marsanne, Roussanne, Verdelho/Gouveio/Verdello, Colombard
White
Dry