Alheit Vineyards - Western Cape Huilkrans 2022
99/100
Tim Atkin
95/100
James Suckling
94/100
Robert Parker
92+
Vinous
"White wine of the year" according to Tim Atkin, not to be missed!
Magnetic North was not released in 2022 (Chris Alheit, ever the perfectionist, felt it wasn't good enough), so fans of his Citrusdal Mountain will have to settle for this stunning wine from the neighboring estate of Jozua Visser. The selection process was rigorous, yields were low as a result, but the sacrifice was worth it. After two failures in 2020 and 2021, this wine is a triumph over the elements by a world-class winemaker, with the density and discreet power of a Corton-Charlemagne (Burgundy appellation). Complex, layered, and deep, it offers intense citrus, garrigue, citrus, yellow apple, and rooibos flavors, as well as a long, tapered finish." (Tim Atkin 2023)
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Nose
Rich fruity bouquet, aromas of pomelo, apricot, orange, accompanied by aromas of almond, rooibos, notes of petrichor and sea spray.
Mouth
Powerful and waxy attack, lively freshness, layered and creamy structure, flavors of garrigue, lemon, ginger, long finish with fruit notes.
Serve
At 10-12°C
Open
1 hour before
Drink before
2040
Production
Produced in 3,796 bottles and 120 magnums
Food and wine pairings
Enjoy with veal sweetbreads with morel mushrooms, filet mignon with honey, tomato chutney...
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate
Wine rating (2023 guide) 94/100 (Outstanding wine)
About wine:
Displaying a delightful rusticity in the glass, Huilkrans 2022 offers notes of dusty lemon peel and ripe citrus blossoms, before enveloping itself in aromas of petrichor and spicy peach skin. Medium-bodied, the wine opens up on the palate, revealing seductive flavors of spicy white tea with pleasant dusty and savory notes. Just under 4,000 bottles were produced after resting in a blend of oak barrels and old casks. 2024-2040
Wine Spectator
Rated estate (2021 guide) Recommended (Wine producer recommended by Wine Spectator)
Vinous
Wine rated (2023 guide) 92+
About wine:
Huilkrans 2022, a Chenin Blanc from the Citrusdal Mountains, is the first release since 2019. The nose is very tight, defined with hints of sea spray, perhaps less expressive than I would have liked. For now, it is closed, but age will benefit this cuvée. The palate is much more expressive, with a beautiful waxy texture and hints of ginger and lemon zest, which extend nicely towards the finish. Great potential, provided you are patient. 2027-2040
James Suckling
Wine rated (2023 guide) 95/100
About wine:
Aromas of pomelo and lime blossom, as well as wild rice, almonds, and apricots. Waxy, creamy, and elegant, with medium body and a lively, tangy freshness, even in a hot vintage. Vibrant and very, very lively. Drink now or cellar.
Tim Atkin
Wine rating (2023 guide) 99/100 - White wine of the year
Rated estate (2020 guide) Recommended
About wine:
Magnetic North was not released in 2022 (Chris Alheit, ever the perfectionist, felt it wasn't good enough), so fans of his Citrusdal Mountain will have to settle for this stunning wine from the neighboring Jozua Visser estate. The selection process was rigorous, yields were low as a result, but the sacrifice was worth it. After two failures in 2020 and 2021, this wine is a triumph over the elements by a world-class winemaker, with the density and discreet power of a Corton-Charlemagne (Burgundy appellation). Complex, layered, and deep, it offers intense citrus notes, flavors of garrigue, citrus, yellow apple, and rooibos, as well as a long, tapered finish.
Customer rating
5/5
based on 1 review
Note and opinion by Mr. ROB P. Published on 04/24/2025
See all reviews from this customer
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