Alheit Vineyards
About Alheit Vineyards
Alheit Vineyards is most uncommon for a new producer to achieve the desirable epithet of “cult” status so quickly, but Chris and Suzaan Alheit’s first vintage of Cartology brought an almost hysterical level of interest from the fine wine world - not a sphere prone to hyperbole!
Neal Martin (Vinous) was, and continues to be, just about as ardent an advocate for the Western Cape winery as one could imagine:
“So, you want a headline "a snappy eye-catching shelf-talker"? Here’s one. “Chris and Suzaan Alheit have made South Africa’s greatest debut Chenin Blanc.” Having chanced upon his wine in Cape Town, I met the very jet-lagged winemaker who had just landed at Heathrow. Despite his understandable lethargy, his unbridled passion came through, a man determined to seek out the best sites for Chenin Blanc and create a world-class wine. Having cut his teeth in the Mosel, Saint Emilion (at Chateau Angelus) and Napa Valley, Chris is obviously not hidebound by tradition, abiding by his own beliefs: low yields, old vines (though not necessarily the oldest), minimal use of sulphur and ageing in used oak between 4 and 12 years. He told me of his plans to seek out single vineyard sites and create a Burgundy-like portfolio of “Village” and “Premier Crus.” I have no doubt that he will succeed, although my mind boggles if this is the ethereal quality of his “Village Cru” - Neal Martin (Vinous)
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Western Cape | 1 | 93 (VN) | د.إ1,060.00 | |||||
Vinous (93)The 2018 Cartology, a blend of 90% Chenin Blanc and 10% Sémillon this year, is whole-cluster-pressed with no SO2 addition, and matured in used oak. It has a well defined, pure bouquet of dried honey, yellow flower, honeysuckle and lanolin aromas that instantly seduce the senses. The palate is beautifully balanced with a slightly oily-textured opening, the intensity deftly counterbalanced by the fine bead of acidity, and a discreet spiciness toward the finish. This is very harmonious and persistent, an effortless Cartology that should age with style. Superb. |
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Cape South Coast | 1 | 96 (VN) | د.إ981.00 | |||||
Vinous (96)The 2021 Hemelrand Vine Garden is one of Chris Alheit's biggest successes and encapsulates everything great about his wine. Initially quite neutral, it reveals wondrous sea spray, honeysuckle, Provençal herbs and hints of powdered chalk on the nose. The palate has exquisite balance, very cohesive and intense, yet the acidity keeps this so fresh with hints of yellow plum, frangipane and quince towards the extended finish. You just want to go back for another sip (and I bet you will). |
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Western Cape | 1 | 94 (TA) | د.إ486.00 | |||||
Tim Atkin MW (94)Hereafter Here is what Chris Alheit calls a "young vineyard wine" although it contains older material from the Paardeberg and Tygerberg too. Blended with a splash of Semillon from Franschhoek, it's a total bargain in the range, with a nice interplay of lees, beeswax and granite-derived structure and a touch of flinty reduction. |
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