2023 Skurfberg
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Tasting notes
The Sadie Family 2023 Citrusdal Mountain Old Vine Series Skurfberg is one of three top-shelf Chenin Blancs made at this estate. These are some extraordinary wines that offer a classical profile of the varietal plus all of the distinctive mineral character of South Africa. In this case, the vines are in the remote Olifants River with weathered Table Mountain sandstone. The high iron content in the soil shapes pronounced salinity with touches of ferrous earth that frame a core of luminous fruit. The rich mouthfeel is almost granular in texture. This wine is made in memory of the grower Basie van Lill, one of the legendary custodians of South Africa's old vines. This is a wine of extremes, as grape production does not extend much further north than this.
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Neal Martin
Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
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The 2023 Skurfberg, pure Chenin on sandstone soils (which Sadie mentioned creates "earthy" whites), has a very intense nose. It’s oily and resinous with grapefruit and a touch of peach skin, very well defined but requiring time in the glass. Taut and fresh, the palate is quite lime-driven on the entry, brimming with energy from start to finish. It gently fans out toward the finish. This is a supremely gifted Skurfberg.
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.