98 points Tim Atkin, MW: "[13.5%] Part of a trilogy of Chenin Blancs - and the only one from Eben Sadie's base in the Swartland - this is a brilliant second release from very bony, decomposed granite soils on the Paardeberg. Perfumed, elegant, steely and refined, it has a Grand Cru Chablis-like focus and intensity, all wet stones and oyster shell, with rock salt and fresh lime flavours and the seamless concentration of its 39-year-old bush vines. 2026-2040. (2024)."
98 points Claire Nesbitt (JamesSuckling.com): "Fantastic complexity and energy to this chenin blanc, showing slate, seashell, chamomile, thyme, lime-peel and Asian-pear aromas, with a sprinkling of aniseed. Incredibly lively and tense on the medium- to full-bodied palate, with tightness, steeliness and a rocky minerality. Dry and salty at the end. From bush vines planted in 1987 in decomposed granite soils in the Paardeberg area. This will go a long way. Drink or hold. (10/24/24)"
97 points Neal Martin (Vinous): "The sophomore 2023 Rotsbank is the only Chenin that evolves a gunflint tincture, according to Eben Sadie. That comes through on the nose, which has more complexity than the Skurfberg this year. Pear, honeysuckle, crushed stone and light walnut scents blossom in the glass. The palate has exquisite balance and energy, real complexity and drive, and an almost penetrating finish that demands the finest oysters known to mankind. This is rapidly staking a claim to be Eben Sadie's finest wine in a stellar portfolio. Drink: 2025-2048. (Aug 2024)"
96+ points Monic Larner (Wine Advocate): "The Sadie Family's 2023 Swartland Old Vine Series Rotsbank is Chenin Blanc that is especially tightly knit, flinty and mineral in personality. That reductive quality bodes well for the long haul, and you should resist opening this bottle within five years of the harvest. Glimmers of honey, almond blossom and pithy stone fruit shine from within. This site is characterized by weathered granite soils on a shallow shelf. In fact, the name Rotsbank means "rock bench" in Afrikaans. Eben Sadie says he had his eye on this vineyard for 14 years, but it belonged to the local cooperative. He was finally able to buy it, and the first vintage made was 2022. I love the reductive character of this wine; it adds a snap and tension, like a rubber band. Drink: 2026-2040. (Jun 2025)"
98 points Claire Nesbitt (JamesSuckling.com): "Fantastic complexity and energy to this chenin blanc, showing slate, seashell, chamomile, thyme, lime-peel and Asian-pear aromas, with a sprinkling of aniseed. Incredibly lively and tense on the medium- to full-bodied palate, with tightness, steeliness and a rocky minerality. Dry and salty at the end. From bush vines planted in 1987 in decomposed granite soils in the Paardeberg area. This will go a long way. Drink or hold. (10/24/24)"
97 points Neal Martin (Vinous): "The sophomore 2023 Rotsbank is the only Chenin that evolves a gunflint tincture, according to Eben Sadie. That comes through on the nose, which has more complexity than the Skurfberg this year. Pear, honeysuckle, crushed stone and light walnut scents blossom in the glass. The palate has exquisite balance and energy, real complexity and drive, and an almost penetrating finish that demands the finest oysters known to mankind. This is rapidly staking a claim to be Eben Sadie's finest wine in a stellar portfolio. Drink: 2025-2048. (Aug 2024)"
96+ points Monic Larner (Wine Advocate): "The Sadie Family's 2023 Swartland Old Vine Series Rotsbank is Chenin Blanc that is especially tightly knit, flinty and mineral in personality. That reductive quality bodes well for the long haul, and you should resist opening this bottle within five years of the harvest. Glimmers of honey, almond blossom and pithy stone fruit shine from within. This site is characterized by weathered granite soils on a shallow shelf. In fact, the name Rotsbank means "rock bench" in Afrikaans. Eben Sadie says he had his eye on this vineyard for 14 years, but it belonged to the local cooperative. He was finally able to buy it, and the first vintage made was 2022. I love the reductive character of this wine; it adds a snap and tension, like a rubber band. Drink: 2026-2040. (Jun 2025)"
| Product SKU | 353237 |
| Producer | Sadie Family |
| Country | South Africa |
| Region | Western Cape |
| SubRegion | Swartland |
| Varietal | Chenin Blanc |
| Vintage | 2023 |
| Size | 750ml |
| Color | White |
| Ships To |
