Sadie Family Stellenbosch Mev. Kirsten 2023

Mev. Kirsten is one of South Africa’s most celebrated white wines, crafted from the country’s oldest Chenin Blanc vineyard, planted between 1905 and 1920 in Stellenbosch’s Jonkershoek Valley. This historic site, nestled at the foot of Bothmaskop Mountain, sits on decomposed sandstone and granite soils, contributing to the wine’s singular character and precision.

Eben Sadie has tended to this revered one-hectare vineyard since 2006, using meticulous interplanting of mass-selection cuttings to sustain the ancient vines. The wine ferments naturally in old foudre with plenty of solids and matures on fine lees for 12 months before bottling, unfiltered. Each bottle reflects both the heritage of the vineyard and Sadie’s exacting craftsmanship.

The 2023 vintage offers incredible structure and depth, with a taut linearity underscored by remarkable acidity and a rich, textured palate. It balances power with elegance, showing an impressive ability to evolve in the glass and the cellar.

This is a wine designed for patience; Eben recommends a decade in the bottle to unlock its full potential. For those who can’t wait, a long decant will help reveal its layers. With minuscule quantities available, this rare gem is a testament to the profound potential of South African Chenin Blanc.