March 13, 2025
The best Cartology yet - Alheit Cartology 2023 Release
New vintage release: Alheit Cartology 2023
The best Cartology yet
“Alheit’s wines represent the apex of contemporary Cape winemaking, infused with character, nuance and expression of place without a sense of conformity. No wonder that allocations are rapidly snapped up. Plus, the label designs are stunning” - Neal Martin, Vinous
Cartology, crafted by Chris and Suzaan Alheit, is one of South Africa’s most acclaimed white wines, embodying the country’s winemaking revival. Inspired by old-world techniques and a deep respect for terroir, the couple sought out old-vine Chenin Blanc and Sémillon from unique, overlooked vineyards. Their goal was to create the most South African wine possible, reflecting the soul of the Cape. With minimal intervention, organic farming, and meticulous site selection, Cartology has become a true icon of modern South African winemaking.
Since its debut in 2011, Cartology has received critical acclaim, with Neal Martin hailing it as "South Africa’s greatest debut Chenin Blanc." The wine showcases precision, balance, and layered complexity, ageing beautifully while maintaining its energy and freshness. Routinely ranked among South Africa’s top whites, it remains a must-have for serious collectors and wine lovers alike.
There is no denying that we’re fans of Chris Alheit and Cartology. We tasted a vertical of his wines last year, the full article can be found here.
The 2023 Alheit Cartology is a standout vintage, earning 96 points from Tim Atkin MW, a notch above its already acclaimed predecessor who all score 95 points. A blend of Chenin Blanc and 6% Sémillon, it sources fruit from some of the Cape’s finest old vineyards, including Skurfberg, Piekenierskloof, and Paardeberg. The wine is mineral-driven, tense, and complex, with layers of citrus, wet stone, and savoury spice. Neal Martin (95 points, Vinous) praises its stunning purity, bright acidity, and long, mineral finish. Chris Alheit continues to refine his approach, incorporating larger vessels, concrete tanks, and foudres, enhancing precision and elegance. With exceptional balance and ageing potential, Cartology 2023 is not to be missed.
This is one of the true bargains of the South African fine wine scene and the 2023 is the best yet. We can’t endorse these wines more and recommend adding a few bottles or cases to your collection.
Alheit Vineyards Cartology 2023
€33.95* inc VAT per bottle
96 Points | Tim Atkin MW
This pioneering white blend, paying tribute to the diversity and history of the Cape, is a cuvée of Chenin Blanc and 6% Semillon in 2023, using components from the Skurfberg, Piekenierskloof, Malmesbury, the Paardeberg, Bottelary, False Bay and (for the first time) Tygerberg. Mineral, sappy, spicy and effortlessly focused like a rifle site, it has layers of oatmeal, citrus and wet stones and a savoury finish.
95 Points | Vinous, Neal Martin
The 2023 Cartology has slightly more Sémillon in the blend this year (see the Producer Commentary for Chris Alheit's reasoning why). As usual, this is a blend of what he considers to be his best parcels. It has one of the classiest bouquets you will find in a South African white this vintage: yellow fruit, a soupçon of peach skin, lanolin and whisked egg whites. Stunning delineation and purity. The palate is very well balanced with a bright and tensile opening. This has a killer line of acidity and is full of tension and complexity, concluding with a mineral-driven finish that has a slightly waxy/resinous texture. Very long. Very classy.
*Prices are accurate as of the blog publication date and may be subject to change.