2007 Eben Sadie, Palladius, Swartland

Winemaker Eben Sadie is the Cape's hottest player and this stunning, richly layered white, in all its stone fruit and mineral glory, shows why.
(Andrew Catchpole - The Guardian  - 21-Jun-2010)

It is clear Eben is quickly falling out of love with Viognier and its role is becoming less evident with each successive release. The blend for the 2007 was 'built up' in four individual parts: Old bush vine Chenin raised in demi-muids offers richness and defining acidity. A single demi-muid of 'barrel blended' Marsanne, Roussanne, Clairette and Grenache Blanc appears lower in acidity and has noticeable residual sugar.

The third component is another barrel blend of Roussanne, Chardonnay and Verdelho which gives weight and texture. From 40% in 2002 - the first vintage - Viognier now resides in four barrels and represents approximately 5% of the finished wine. Palladius remains a standout South African white but the gap appears to be closing between it and its competitors...Drinking now till 2013.
(David Berry Green, BBR Buyer)