R. Parker (97/100)
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.
James Suckling (96/100)
Density and depth to this full-bodied chenin blanc. It’s savory and zesty, showing notes of lime peel, sliced pears, fenugreek, beeswax and chamomile. Bright, yet compact and dense. Chenin blanc from the Skurfberg Mountain in the Citrusdal mountain area, planted on decomposed Table Mountain sandstone soils.