June 11, 2025
2024 vintage release - Cult South African Chenin from rising star Sakkie Mouton
New vintage release: Cult South African Chenin from rising star Sakkie Mouton
98 Points - Greg Sherwood MW
“This is undoubtedly a statement wine, a wine that demands attention and then delivers in bucket loads. The slight hint of added exoticism definitely suits Sakkie’s winemaking style! I am simply blown away by this new release!“
“The 2024 Crayfish Chenin Blanc is a very impressive creation boasting a rich, golden bronzed yellow hue in the glass. In this vintage, Sakkie seems to have shifted to a higher gear with a far more elaborate peacock’s tail array of exotic aromatics. Noticeably richer and more intense”Last year, we raved about the 2023 vintage of Revenge of the Crayfish by Sakkie Mouton—easily one of our favourite new white discoveries. If you enjoy the purity and texture found in the wines of Alheit, you’ll absolutely love what Sakkie is doing.
Greg Sherwood MW agreed, awarding the 2023 vintage 97 points and calling it “one of the most delicious and mouthwatering whites I have drunk all year.” High praise from one of South Africa’s top wine authorities, who added: “My admiration for this young winemaker grows with every subsequent vintage!”
Now in 2024, Sherwood raises the bar again, scoring the new vintage 98 points and calling it “a statement wine that demands attention and then delivers in bucket loads.” He adds, “I am simply blown away by this new release.” It’s safe to say Sakkie Mouton has arrived.
Compared to last years release that was more about purity, the 2024 steps it up a gear with a richer body and a completely different set of aromatics. Sherwood writes: “there are layers of dried apricot, white peach, pineapple, and green apple with top notes of white blossom and tangerine citrus peel. The pithy pineappley fruit intensity does initially mask some of the maritime salinity and gravelly minerality but linger over your glass a little longer”
The story of Sakkie Mouton:
Originally from Vredendal, Sakkie Mouton grew up along South Africa's west coast before studying winemaking at Elsenburg College, graduating in 2014. At just 27, Sakkie founded his own winery, focusing on small-batch, natural wines that reflect the unique coastal terroir. His debut wine, Revenge of the Crayfish, quickly earned acclaim for its purity and minimal-intervention approach. Sakkie’s dedication to showcasing the rugged west coast’s character has made him a rising star in the South African wine scene. On its debut a few years ago, Greg Sherwood MW boldly declared that Sakkie Mouton was ‘One of the most exciting talents since Eben Sadie hit the wine scene”. Sherwood goes on to elaborate that:
“Finally his vision and dreams have met reality after making his maiden release white wine… which for me is one of the most profound Chenin Blancs produced in South Africa since Eben Sadie conjured up Skurfberg and Skerpioen in his old vine series.”
Don’t be put off by the name, we love it and think it’s playful and fun. This isn't just another bottle from your local natural wine shop; it's the real deal. From what we’ve been able to gather, last year’s production was just 133 cases—equating to only 1,596 bottles worldwide if counted in 12s. That makes this wine exceptionally rare. To put it in perspective, Sakkie’s very first release totalled just 370 bottles, making it even rarer still.
We have a minuscule selection available on our website which are for sale first come first served! Don’t miss your opportunity to secure your allocation of this hard to find wine before it’s too late.
Sakkie Mouton Revenge of the Crayfish 2024
€49.50* inc VAT per bottle
98 Points | Greg Sherwood MW
The 2024 Crayfish Chenin Blanc is a very impressive creation boasting a rich, golden bronzed yellow hue in the glass. In this vintage, Sakkie seems to have shifted to a higher gear with a far more elaborate peacock’s tail array of exotic aromatics. Noticeably richer and more intense, there are layers of dried apricot, white peach, pineapple, and green apple with top notes of white blossom and tangerine citrus peel. The pithy pineappley fruit intensity does initially mask some of the maritime salinity and gravelly minerality but linger over your glass a little longer and these Weskus hallmarks eventually reveal themselves. The palate shows incredible depth and explosive intensity, fleshy and broad with lashings of tangy yellow orchard fruits, tart pineapple chunks, peaches in honey, salted caramel, and crystallised green apple on the finish. I don’t know if Sakkie has discovered a few new tricks in the cellar or if the vintage has played into his hands with graceful precision, but I suspect it’s a combination of both. This is undoubtedly a statement wine, a wine that demands attention and then delivers in bucket loads. The slight hint of added exoticism definitely suits Sakkie’s winemaking style! I am simply blown away by this new release! Drink now to 2035+.
*Prices are accurate as of the blog publication date and may be subject to change.