Sadie Family, Rotsbank Swartland 2023

98 points James Suckling
"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."

97 points 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."

Vinous Reverie Notes
Decomposed granite on a shallow granite shelf. The Rotsbank vineyard is located in the Paardeberg in the Aprilskloof on a rock shelf that barely has 30 – 50 cm of soil in most parts. It is incredible to think that this vineyard survives year after year. Many of the roots in the soil have found cracks in this rock shelf, and the limited natural growth of this vineyard makes for incredibly concentrated fruit. Tasting Notes: The wine is incredibly concentrated on the aromatics; the same concentration follows through on the palate. The tannins have massive tension, and the wine’s substantial acidity and dry finish suggest a wine that will only benefit much from time in the bottle. This very restrained and firm wine will pair exceptionally well with shellfish.