R. Parker (98/100)
I am a white wine fanatic, and this very special wine blew me away. The Sadie Family's 2022 Swartland Palladius is a blend of 11 grapes from 17 distinct vineyard sites with old vines. The grapes used are Chenin Blanc, Grenache Blanc, Clairette Blanche, Viognier, Verdelho, Roussanne, Marsanne, Semillon Gris, Sémillon, Palomino and Colombard. The various vineyards are located in Paardeberg, Piketberg and Saint Helena Bay. "This is the most complex wine and difficult to make," says Eben Sadie. "A white wine needs to achieve more than a red."
Made with blends and co-ferments, the Palladius presents challenges during harvest, as the fruit begins to come in at various stages and the tanks begin to fill. It sees 12 months in amphorae and concrete, plus 12 months in old foudre. It presents a spectacular collection of stone fruit aromas, lemon blossom, pastry cream filling, saffron and light spice. The Palladius is silky, textured and has enough structure for long cellar aging. This is indeed a star of the Southern Hemisphere.
James Suckling (97/100)
This is an impressively layered and complex white, the result of a blend of 11 varietals from 17 vineyards across the Swartland. Aromas of jack fruit, sliced pear, green papaya, flint, grapefruit and hazelnut are all in play, followed by a full-bodied palate with a caressing and supple texture. Seamless, evolving to spices after a while. Even better than 2021? A blend of chenin blanc, grenache blanc, clairette blanche, viognier, verdelho, roussanne, marsanne, semillon gris, semillon blanc, palomino and colombard, all vinified separately.