2025 Sakkie Mouton, Revenge of the Crayfish, Wes Kus

Tim Atkin 95

Rejoicing in one of the most memorable labels in South Africa, this is a brilliant West Coast Chenin Blanc from Sakkie Mouton. Sourced from a low-yielding parcel of just one hectare in Koekenaap, it has good texture from full malolactic, aromas of kelp, white flowers and aniseed, a hint of oak spices and a tangy, chiselled palate of lemongrass and green apple. More generous than the 2024 release. 2027-32 [Tim Atkin MW, 01/09/2026]

Greg Sherwood 96

Sakkie Mouton is one of South Africa’s most exciting, low-intervention winemakers, celebrated for putting the rugged and remote West Coast on the global wine map. Based in Vredendal and Koekenaap, Sakkie champions a forgotten, windswept terroir shaped by intense Atlantic brezzes and sandstone soils. After studying at Elsenburg and travelling the world, he returned home to champion old vines and distinct coastal identities. Known for a minimalist, ‘Weskus’ style, his small-production, critically acclaimed wines like the flagship Revenge of the Crayfish Chenin Blanc, are famous for their vibrant acidity, complex textures, and unmistakable coastal maritime salinity. While Sakkie’s personal ‘wine style’ is ever evolving, no two vintages are ever quite the same, with each subsequent release showing his own personal growth and evolution. The 2025 style moves yet again, focusing on texture, mouthfeel and concentration of fruit flavours, making a wine that is arguably one of his most ‘grown up’ yet. Picked slightly later than usual, this 2025 Chenin Blanc reveals intricate aromatics of white blossoms, white peach, tinned pineapples, green apples over a delicate yet complex array of dried kelp, oyster shell and Weskus maritime seaspray. The first Crayfish cuvee to undergo 100% malolactic fermentation, the palate does feel a little denser, fleshier and slightly less nervy than earlier editions, but whatever is lost in terms of tart steely austerity, is more than compensated for by a plusher, more harmonious mid-palate texture and balance, built with compact layers of tangy pineapple fruits, apricot, tart yellow plums and green apple cordial hints with a gentle yet assertive salinity on the finish. This is a serious Chenin that exudes a quiet confidence with plenty of the 2025 vintage concentration, illuminating Sakkie’s continued growth and development as an accomplished premium winemaker. Drink on release and over the next 8-10+ years. [Greg Sherwood MW, 25/05/2026]

Anticipated maturity: 2026-2034