The Sadie Family, Palladius, Swartland 2023

The Sadie Family 2023 Swartland Palladius shows remarkable equilibrium, with layered richness held in check by compact structure and quiet, under-the-surface intensity. It represents a blend of Chenin Blanc, Grenache Blanc, Clairette Blanche, Viognier, Verdelho, Roussanne, Marsanne, Semillon Gris, Semillon Blanc, Palomino, Colombard, Grillo, Assyrtiko, Grenache Blanc and Verdelho. The addition of limestone-influenced parcels in recent years has tightened the wine’s profile, trimming excess breadth and enhancing linear precision. Drawn from 24 vineyards across Paardeberg, Piketberg and the St. Helena Bay zone and aged in amphora, concrete and old foudre, Palladius stands as Eben Sadie’s flagship white built expressly for long-term aging. His favorite vintages are 1997, 2004, 2009, 2010, 2014, 2017, 2019, 2023 and 2025.

Very fresh and exciting, showing lemon curd, wild thyme, white pepper, sliced apple, pear, clove and crushed stone aromas. It’s layered and creamy, complex, with a full body and wonderful freshness brought by mineral and very subtle herbal undertones. Long, salty and structured. A blend of 14 varietals. Drink or hold.

For the first time, the Palladius includes 20% of fruit from limestone soils on the west coast, which Sadie feels made the wine leaner and more minerally. "It was the thing that was missing," he remarked. There are now 14 varieties in this blend. The 2023 offers pressed yellow flowers and light walnut and hazelnut scents in the background. The palate is well balanced with a slightly honeyed texture on the entry. Wonderful depth, edgy, a little more acidity than the '22, with a long, quite saline finish. Give this three or four years in bottle if you can.