The 2024 Sadie Family Stellenbosch Mev. Kirsten is a profound and beautifully sculpted Chenin Blanc from one of South Africa’s most historic vineyard sites. Crafted by Eben Sadie from a tiny one-hectare parcel in the Jonkershoek Valley planted between 1905 and 1920, the wine comes from the oldest surviving Chenin Blanc vineyard in South Africa. Rooted in decomposed granite soils at the foot of Bothmaskop Mountain, Mev. Kirsten is widely regarded as the most powerful and structured white wine in the Sadie Family portfolio. Fermented naturally in old foudres with extensive lees ageing and bottled unfiltered, the 2024 vintage is especially precise and energetic, with fresher acidity than usual giving extraordinary balance to the wine’s immense texture and concentration.
The nose reveals quince, waxed lemon and ripe pear layered alongside lanolin, crushed chalk, lemongrass and subtle tropical fruit notes, giving the wine extraordinary aromatic depth and complexity. On the palate, it is full-bodied yet remarkably poised, with immense texture and density balanced by vibrant natural acidity and a tightly wound mineral core. Layers of citrus oil, honeyed orchard fruit and savoury lees complexity unfold with exceptional precision and energy, finishing long, saline and beautifully persistent with immense ageing potential. Critics have praised the wine’s “laser-like focus,” “wonderful texture” and “beautiful expression of an historic parcel,” with scores reaching 97–98 points across major reviewers.
Ben’s Recommendation:
The 2024 Sadie Family Mev. Kirsten is a world-class Chenin Blanc — powerful, mineral and exquisitely refined with extraordinary texture, freshness and longevity. Perfect with lobster, roast poultry, turbot, truffle dishes or richly textured seafood cuisine. Decant if drinking young or cellar gracefully through 2045+.
