2023 T Voetpad
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Tasting notes
The Sadie Family 2023 Swartland Old Vine Series 'T Voetpad is a blend of Semillon Blanc, Semillon Gris, Palomino, Chenin Blanc and Muscat of Alexandria. It claims to be the oldest field blend in South Africa. The wine is fruity and salty at the same time with lovely white wine tannins that give ample firmness and structure from the back. It matures in large oak casks. The grapes are whole-bunch pressed, and the juice settles over eight hours. It completes malolactic fermentation. The fruit comes from a 1.4-hectare vineyard on weathered sandstone soils. Eben Sadie says he farms this site "for objectives not for aesthetics." More words of wisdom: "The difference between a good farm and a bad farm is five days," he says of the mistakes that can occur if timing is off in a vineyard. This is a release of 2,400 bottles.
Critic scores
Average Score
Neal Martin
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
A fragrant, deliciously tropical and vibrant white that has lime peel, nectarine, white peach, orange curd and a hint of lemongrass on the nose. It’s full-bodied, bright and exhilarating with a citrusy freshness and waxy phenolics. Very long, and still tight. Exciting field blend of semillon blanc, semillon gris, palomino, chenin blanc and muscat d’alexandrie, all dry-farmed. Try from 2025.
The 2023 Voetpad comes from a parcel of co-planted Chenin Blanc, Sémillon Blanc and Sémillon Gris that Eben Sadie confessed is very difficult to work. It was originally planted for distillation purposes. This has a muted nose at first but then unfurls with linseed, grilled hazelnut and light earthy scents. The palate is finely balanced with a phenolic entry, a sharp line of acidity and a finish seasoned with stem ginger and orange rind. Wonderful.
About the producer
Since he started making wine under his own name in 2000, Eben Sadie became a cult name in South Africa. The Swartland producer is best known for his flagship Columella and Palladius, but he also makes a range of whites and reds under the Old Vine Series, which became the District Series in 2025.
Product details
Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc/Steen, Muscat of Alexandria/Moscatell, Other
White
Dry