TASTING NOTES
Alheit Vineyards Hereafter Here 2023
‘Mostly a young vineyard wine, grapes from Swartland, Piekenierskloof, Bottelary, Polkadraai Hills plus some from older parcels in Paardeberg and Tygerberg. Exotic aromatics of pear, yellow peach, orange and pineapple plus some leesy character. The palate is relatively rich with tangy acidity and a savoury finish. Alc: 13.21%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 92/100
Alheit Vineyards Cartology 2023
‘94% Chenin Blanc and 6% Semillon – the Franschhoek vineyard normally bottled under the Monument label employed here. Expressive aromatics with notes of lime, lemon, white peach, Granny Smith apple and floral perfume. Excellent fruit concentration, plenty of drive and a dry finish. Wonderfully precise, even more remarkable given that production is not inconsiderable, this vintage amounting to 27,405 bottles and 240 magnums.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 95/100
Alheit Vineyards Hemelrand Vine Garden 2023
‘36% Chardonnay, 28% Roussanne, 18% Chenin Blanc, 17% Verdelho, 1% Muscat – the Chenin in particular developing significant but entirely pleasing noble rot. Fermented and matured for 12 months in older oak. Citrus, stone fruit and pineapple to go with notes of potpourri, honey and mushroom on the nose. Dense fruit and driving acidity before a deeply savoury finish. A compelling rendition of this wine. Alc: 13.54%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 94/100
Alheit Vineyards Fire By Night 2023
‘Grapes from two Paardeberg vineyards planted between 1972 and 1985 on granite. Quite a pronounced note of flinty reduction as well as lime and lemon. Hugely impressive on the palate – great power delivered at low alcohol – 12.49%. Dense with arresting acidity and an olive-brine like finish.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 95/100
Alheit Vineyards Nautical Dawn 2023
‘Grapes from a vineyard on the southern Stellenbosch farm Rustenhof planted in 1978 on granite. Floral perfume, citrus, peach, hay and fynbos. Pure and fresh on the palate – great fruit delineation, snappy acidity and a pithy finish. Poised and elegant. Alc: 13.54%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 95/100
Alheit Vineyards Huilkrans 2023
‘From Skurfberg vineyards planted between 1974 and 1989 on red sand over clay. Forthcoming aromatics of pear, peach, soft citrus, apple, potpourri and earth. The palate is voluptuous – lovely fruit weight, silky texture, well integrated acidity and a gently savoury finish. A wine that hangs together very well and is simply delicious. Alc: 13.33%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 97/100
Alheit Vineyards Magnetic North 2023
‘From two Skurfberg blocks, one planted in 1981 and the other in 1984. Lime, lemon, fynbos, earth and a hint of struck-match reduction on the nose. The palate has great fruit definition and plenty of verve – flavours are subtle and intricate while the acidity is invigorating without being hard or angular. The 2022 vintage was famously declassified.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 98/100
