R. Parker (93/100)
A gentle giant with a quiet nose that is shy yet possesses a pure minerality to the heart of its core, the 2017 Palladius has expressive and dusty citrus tones, with a wet river rock stoniness. The palate is balanced with a firm acidic edge and focus that is truly mindboggling. Medium-bodied with a long saline finish, the perplexing expression lingers with lemon oil, bee pollen and fine chalky powder. The acidity and balance in this wine are going to ensure that it possesses the ability to live on for decades in your cellar. Be patient. It's good now but it will get better in time.
A stellar day in the Swartland led me to connect with Eben Sadie for Sadie Family wines. Eben had just returned home from a winemaker's surf trip to Angola. Eben may be one of the most thoughtful and most considerate of the Swartland winemakers. He seems quietly humble with a real world view and speaks of mentorship and continuing education for the betterment of South African wine culture. I immediately got the sense that Eben has a genuine respect and love for the rare old vines that he seeks out to work with to create structured and finessed wines. Eben's wines continue to be some of the most terroir-driven and minerally expressive wines for me. The wine shines through with a level of magnificence that is simply stunning. Sadie Family wines are tough to find as most of these wines are on allocation. Sadie Family wines are worth seeking out.