The Sadie Family Palladius 2016

The Sadie Family Palladius 2016, the sister wine to Columella, has probably changed the most since its release. It started off with Chenin Blanc and Viognier as the main components but now boasts more than 11 varieties from 17 different vineyards. This is South African winemaking at its best – a super-complex wine with many pieces to its puzzle that requires cerebral engagement. This is one of SA’s finest whites.

Now completely unwooded, it captures the essence of the Swartland with its blend of Chenin Blanc, Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Sémillon, Sémillon Gris, Viognier, Clairette Blanche, Roussanne, Verdelho, Colombard and Palomino.

‘This 2016 vintage of Palladius has the simplicity of minimalistic design with nothing that shouts out and every one of the 11 varietals that drive this wine just seems to be in perfect synchronization. The aromas are a journey of more tropical, ripe fruit aspects going all the way to a very saline and mineral texture. The most exciting aspect of this 2016 vintage is simply the length and the persistence of the tannin on the palate. This wine spends its first year of ageing in clay amphorae and in concrete eggs and then an additional year of ageing of the final blend in big oak casks. The result is incredible stability and the wine leaves one with the clear impression that the Palladius is on the very same level as the Columella and they can truly run together as Signatures.’ – Eben Sadie