Alheit Vineyards is a name mentioned in hushed tones, for no sooner are their vintages released than they are sold out. Therefore better not mention this to everybody.
Champions of South African white varieties, which they argue were being planted in the Compagnie Tuine sometime before there was ever any Cabernet Sauvignon growing in the Medoc, are white wines for the cellar. Made from hand-selected, old bushvine vineyards that reflect a True Cape flavour – which, given our penchant for a good story, is promising. We were able to secure allocations of only three of their seven wines, though each one stands on its own, defiantly. But we’ll let Greg tell you about THAT.
The back label reads: “A tribute to those who went off in search of treasure and found a diamond in the rough.” The diamond has been cut and set, as proven by the wine. But find out for yourselves.
* Pictured above, their farm, Hemelrand {Heaven’s Edge}.
#SACultWines
Top-Rated
96 Points – Greg Sherwood MW | 95 Points – Tim Atkin MW
“A blend of 90% Chenin Blanc and 10% Semillon from circa nine dryland bush vine parcels around the Cape with a minimum age of 35 years but with most between 40 to 80 years old. The entry shows a massive vibrant concentration of white citrus, peach and tangerine with complexing notes of wet thatch, fynbos and struck flint reduction. The palate is rich and textured, plush and fleshy, showing the true class and pedigree of the 2021 vintage. This must be among the finest Cartology releases produced to date. Do not miss it!” – Greg Sherwood MW.
94 Points – Greg Sherwood MW | 94 Points – Tim Atkin MW
“Made from young vine Chenin Blanc vineyards from Upper Blaauwklippen, Polkadraai and the Swartland, the idea is that some of these grapes will eventually be channelled into Cartology in years to come as the vines age. Deliciously cool, silky and taut with green fruits, white flowers, white citrus, green apple and crunchy peach nuances. Acids are mouth-wateringly tangy and the fruits crystalline and pure with impressive clarity and balance. A clear step up in quality and intensity on the maiden 2020 release.” – Greg Sherwood MW.
* Only 6 bottles available
96 Points – Greg Sherwood MW | 97 Points – Tim Atkin MW
“The grapes from this famous La Colline vineyard were planted in 1936 and offer up complex notes of melted bee’s wax, incense, sweet baking herbs, black currant, lemon rind and tangerine. There is a generous, concentrated fleshy savoury fruit core all held in perfect equilibrium by fresh taut acids. Still showing a complexing hint of smoky reduction, this is undoubtedly a profound Semillon offering from one of the most famous vineyards in the country. Pop this in your cellar for 3 to 5 years and then drink over 8 to 10+ years.” – Greg Sherwood MW.
