September 26, 2024
Alheit Single Vineyard 2022 Release
Following our recent Cartology offer, we are thrilled to present a limited selection of Alheit's single-vineyard wines, often regarded as his Grand Cru offerings. These wines represent the pinnacle of South African winemaking, showcasing exceptional quality and terroir expression.
The 2022 vintage across the board is more fruit-forward and charming than the 2021 vintage, offering immediate pleasure while promising to age gracefully for another decade.
In Tim Atkin's latest South African wine report (2023), the Huilkrans 2022 received the highest accolade, scoring 99 points and being named his overall White Wine of the Year.
Nautical Dawn is a personal favourite from Alheit's top cuvées, sourced from a vineyard adjacent to the ocean, imparting a delightful salinity to the wine. The 2022 vintage brims with energy and drive, making it exceptionally moreish. Nautical Dawn 2022 was a close runner-up, scoring an impressive 98 points, matching the scores of Eben Sadie's Skerpioen and Skurfberg '22.
These wines are a testament to Chris Alheit's dedication to quality and his mastery in capturing the essence of South Africa's unique terroirs. We don't have too many bottles available and they are available on our website as first come first served.
Alheit Vineyards Nautical Dawn 2022
Alheit Vineyards Nautical Dawn is a truly remarkable Chenin Blanc, coming from the rugged Skurfberg region in the Olifants River Valley. The terroir here is exceptional, with old vines planted in sandstone soils, providing the wine with a distinct mineral complexity and vibrant acidity. The cool maritime breeze from the Atlantic Ocean moderates the climate, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly. This results in a wine bursting with fresh citrus and stone fruit flavours, complemented by a unique saline edge that reflects its coastal origins.
98 Points | Tim Atkin MW
Nautical Dawn has only been made as a single vineyard release since 2017, but has garnered deservedly high praise. Using grapes from a 1978 vineyard close to the ocean on the granite outcrop of the Sinai Hill, this is a Chenin Blanc that supersedes its vintage with steely intensity, lots of stony minerality, notes of kelp and sea salt, lemon and lime fruit and a savoury, umami-like finish. 2024-32
Alheit Vineyards Fire by Night 2022
Alheit Vineyards Fire by Night is an outstanding Chenin Blanc sourced from the Paardeberg Mountain, where the terroir is defined by granite soils. These high-altitude vineyards enjoy cooler temperatures and excellent drainage, which impart a refined minerality and structure to the wine. The terroir enhances the aromatic profile, showcasing white peach, pear, and delicate floral notes. The consistent breezes and ample sunlight in this area produce a wine with a perfect balance of lively acidity and a long, elegant finish.
97 Points | Tim Atkin MW
Fire by Night all comes from the Alheits' Nuwedam property on the Paardeberg and shows both the quality of the terroir and the talent of the winemaker. Old vines planted between 1971 and 1985 supply the raw material for this taut, chiselled, old wood-matured Chenin. Wild mountain herb, citrus and lime juice flavours are complemented by notes of oatmeal and wax and a bracingly fresh finish. 2024-32
Alheit Vineyards Huilkrans 2022
Alheit Vineyards Huilkrans is a top-tier Chenin Blanc from the Swartland region, made from old bush vines rooted in shale and clay soils. These soils are superb at retaining moisture, crucial for the region's dry climate, and they contribute to the wine's rich texture and depth. The combination of hot sunny days and cool nights in Swartland allows the grapes to develop intense fruit flavours of apricot, quince, and honey, along with a stony minerality. This results in a complex, full-bodied wine with remarkable balance and finesse, showcasing the best of what this unique terroir has to offer.
99 Points | Tim Atkin MW
There was no Magnetic North release in 2022 - ever the perfectionist, Chris Alheit thought it wasn't good enough - so fans of his Citrusdal Mountain Chenin Blancs will have to be content with this stunning wine from Jozua Visser's neighbouring farm instead. The selection was rigorous, the yields correspondingly low, but the sacrifice was worth it. After two no shows in 2020 and 2021, this is a triumph over the elements by a world-class winemaker, with the density and understated power of a Corton-Charlemagne. Complex, layered and deep, it has leesy intensity, garrigue, citrus, yellow apple and rooibos flavours and a long, tapering finish. 2024-35