Founded by visionary winemaker Eben Sadie, Sadie Family Wines is one of South Africa's most acclaimed producers, renowned for its terroir-driven wines and unwavering commitment to responsible farming. Based in the Swartland, the estate cultivates low-yielding vineyards with a deep respect for the land, believing that exceptional wines are born from the harmony that exists between soil, climate, vines, and people.
Portrait of the Cape tells the story of a landscape through four exceptional wines. From ancient vines and forgotten varieties to windswept coastal sites and the vast diversity of the Swartland, each bottle offers a unique perspective on the people, places, and traditions that define the Cape.
2 bottles x Sadie Family Palladius White 2023 (W.O Swartland, South Africa)
97pts - James Suckling
95pts - Vinous Media
Blend | Chenin Blanc, Grenache Blanc, Clairette Blanche, Viognier, Verdelho, Roussanne, Marsanne, Semillon Gris, Semillon Blanc, Palomino, Colombard, Grillo, Assyrtiko.
Palladius combines multiple varieties from 17 different vineyard parcels to create a broad and intricate portrait of the Swartland region. The 2023 is fresh and vibrant despite 24 months of ageing, thanks to the influence of acid-driven, lower-alcohol varieties that bring energy and balance to the blend. Bright notes of lime, green apple, and salinity lead into a finely structured palate with polished tannins, focused acidity, and a long, elegant finish. A standout expression of the vintage.
2 bottles x Sadie Family Treinspoor Tinta Barocca 2024 (W.O Swartland, South Africa)
96pts - James Suckling
94pts - Vinous Media
Red | Tinta Barocca
Nestled alongside an old railway line that gives it its name, the Treinspoor Vineyard is planted with old bush vines of Tinta Barocca. Deeply rooted in the region, this variety is celebrated for its remarkable ability to express the soil and convey a true sense of place. The 2024 opens with darker notes of graphite and dried fig, evolving into lifted aromas of violets, floral perfume, and pencil lead. The palate is structured and powerful, with dense, multi-layered tannins and a firm, persistent finish.
1 bottle x Sadie Family Skerpioen White 2024 (W.O Swartland, South Africa)
99pts - Tim Atkin, MW
96pts - James Suckling
Blend | Chenin Blanc, Palomino
Skerpioen (Scorpion) hails from a distinctive site between Dwarskersbos and Elands Bay on the West Coast. The 2024 vintage offers defined peach and citrus flavours with subtle tropical notes, evolving into the vineyard’s signature salty-brine character. With slightly lower acidity than usual, the aromatics suggest the wine is approachable earlier, making it one of the earliest-ready whites in the range.
1 bottle x Sadie Family Rotsbank Chenin Blanc 2024 (W.O Swartland, South Africa)
98pts - James Suckling
96pts - Vinous Media
White | Chenin Blanc
Rotsbank (‘Rock Shelf’ in Afrikaans) lies in the Aprilskloof of the Paardeberg in Swartland, rooted in just 30–50 cm of soil over a shallow granite bank. The 2024 displays aromas of gunflint and seaweed, with tropical granadilla and a touch of green tea. The palate is linear and firm, finishing with drying tannins, exceptional length, and refined elegance. Slightly reserved on release, the wine benefits from aeration if opened early.
