2013 The Sadie Family Wines Skerpioen Ouwingerdreeks, Old Vines Series

Exhibit A in the argument that challenging environments can create exceptional wines. This home of scorpions is planted with Chenin Blanc and Palomino in limestone over a chalk aquifer. Over the 60 years since planting the roots have searched deep through this inhospitable soil searching for water to supplement the miserly 300mm they receive as rainfall annually. Mercifully the position, 2kms from the Atlantic coast, is cool making this this vine growing outpost viable.

The field blend is picked, pressed and fermented together adding to the sense of cohesion throughout. Delicate aromas of flowers and apples join a saline structure with no steps out of place as you progress to an airy finish reminding me of the lightest of crème brûlée. Drinking exceptionally now and for another four years.
Richard Veal, Private Wine Events