A quick visit to our cellared wine stash yielded a gem:  The Sadie Family Palladius 2010.  Purchased in Riebeek Kasteel in a haze of Swartland Revolution fueled euphoria 2 years ago, we acted responsibly and hid this wine from our greedy selves, protected in the far reaches of a temperature controlled wine cellar in the outskirts of Observatory.

We have written extensively about Eben Sadie, the Swartland and the Swartland Revolution; this is all about the wine.  The blend leads with Chenin Blanc, with Grenache Blanc, Clairette Blanc, Viognier and a few other varieties thrown in – a blend that can loosely be termed “Mediterranean”.  Berries are hand sorted and pressed in a basket press, some of the grapes are fermented on the skins and ageing takes place on the lees in a variety of vessels (oak vats, clay and concrete) for 18 months.

The wine needed time to open in the glass; the first few slight oxidative notes blossomed into a treasure trove of smells:  Orange blossom, frangipani, quince, tinned pineapple, lychee, white peach and honey.  That was just the nose!  The palate delivered all that and more; the wine was full and creamy (yes, we are talking white wine here) with a finish that seemed to last for ever, lingering on the tongue and compelling you to take that next sip.

“More!” we cried, and a Palladius 2011 was purchased (R450) a week later at the fabulous Wine Kollektive in Riebeek Kasteel.  No responsible cellaring of the wine ensued as we were greedy for more deliciousness…  The 2011 was (understandably) more mineral with lime notes, leaning away from yellow stone fruit.  The blend make up is ever changing but still Chenin Blanc led, ageing is now for 24 months, reflecting the experience that the Sadie team has with these vineyards.  The result is a more taut wine, well balanced and trembling with that “WOW” factor but…too young.  Complexity and detail need to develop first like the very fine laughter lines around your eyes.  This vintage is not for the “here & now” crowd; but then this wine is not for that crowd either.

The Palladius is timeless, named after Rutilius Taurus Aemilianus Palladius who lived in  latter 4th century or first half of the 5th century AD and is principally known for his book on agriculture, Opus agriculturae.  I am sure Mr Palladius would approve of the wine named after him.

Lay your hands on the 2010, enjoy it now.  When you purchase the 2011, treasure it, hide it away from yourself/your father-in-law and your wine snob friends…you will not be sorry.

http://www.thesadiefamily.com/