Alheit Vineyards - Stellenbosch Nautical Dawn 2023
South Africa
White
Sold individually
Drink or Keep
17,5/20
Jancis Robinson
-
95/100
Vinous
"Cuvée de la propriété never before presented on 1jour1vin : superb according to Vinous, shivering with balance according to Jancis Robinson!"
"The 2023 Nautical Dawn comes from the granite soils of Sinai Hill and was assembled at Cartology until 2017. Chalk powder, a touch of dry honey and lanolin appear on aeration. The delineation is superb and the wine is full of energy. The palate is wonderfully balanced, but perhaps a little more tropical than Fire by Night. Notes of orange pith and pear develop through to the lively finish, with a hint of lemongrass in the aftertaste. Superb. 2025-2038" (Vinous 2024)
Features
Estate
Alheit Vineyards
Cuvée
Nautical Dawn
Vintage
2023
Designation
Stellenbosch
Region
South Africa
Grape varieties
100% Chenin Blanc
Terroirs
Granitic soils, Rustenhof vineyard (4km from the ocean), vines planted in 1978, altitudes of 60 and 220 meters, warm Mediterranean climate.
Viticulture
Reasoned
Harvest
Manual
Winemaking
Whole-bunch pressing and alcoholic fermentation (with indigenous yeasts) in 2,000-litre tuns and a few old barrels for 2 months.
Breeding
12 months on lees (same wooden containers as during fermentation), then 6 months on fine lees in vats, unfined and unfiltered.
Alcohol content
13,5%
Tasting & pairing
Eye
Golden colour with silver highlights, shiny disk
Nose
Tart yellow fruit fragrances: lemon zest, pink grapefruit, accompanied by subtle notes of honeysuckle and sweet spices.
Mouth
Power and richness balanced by liveliness throughout, elegant aromas echoing the nose, long, fine finish with the saline flavour typical of the terroir.
Serve
AT 10-12°C
Open
1 to 2 hours before
Drink from
2024
Drink before
2038
Production
3,800 bottles
Food and wine pairing
Enjoy with grilled sea bass fillet, scallops with ginger, sole fillet with asparagus...
Alheit Vineyards
Stellenbosch
Expert opinion
Wine Spectator
Domaine noté (guide 2021) Recommended (Wine producer recommended by Wine Spectator)
Jancis Robinson
Wine rated (guide 2024 ) 17.5/20
About the wine:
Kumquat and quince, honey and baobab. Salinity, spiciness and a silky texture. It's bursting with flavors, and where fruit and acidity meet, there's a connection that sends shivers down your spine. The finish is like a draught after a tumult of energy, there's a wave of silence in its wake. 2026-2033
Vinous A. Galloni
Wine rated (guide 2024) 95/100
About the wine:
2023 Nautical Dawn comes from the granite soils of Sinai Hill and was blended at Cartology until 2017. Chalk powder, a touch of dry honey and lanolin appear on aeration. The delineation is superb and the wine is full of energy. The palate is wonderfully balanced, but perhaps a little more tropical than Fire by Night. Notes of orange pith and pear develop through to the lively finish, with a hint of lemongrass in the aftertaste. Superb. 2025-2038
Tim Atkin
Graded area (2020 guide) Recommended
Customer reviews
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