Alheit Vineyards - Western Cape Hemelrand Vine Garden 2023
17,5/20
Jancis Robinson
94/100
Vinous
"This complex blend from the Hemelrand vineyard offers a unique and memorable tasting experience..."
A slight physical shock to transition from the structural power of Huilkrans and Magnetic North to the golden brilliance and seduction of Hemelrand. The wine is so rich that it almost tastes sweet (which, with 2.7 g/l of residual sugar, is certainly not the case). It is a tango of sweetness and spice, bitterness and spice. Honey and potato jelly, kumquat marmalade and russet apples. A shifting shimmer of golden herb spices. A long, murmuring finish that leaves an impression of fireflies in its wake. 2024-2032" (Jancis Robinson 2024)
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Eye
Purple dress, shiny disc
Nose
Intense, scents of stone fruits and exotic fruits (characteristic of Vine Garden), notes of orange peel and apricot
Mouth
Complex and powerful, rich and velvety texture, perfectly balanced thanks to its liveliness that lingers through to the finish, with a refined and precise persistence.
Serve
At 10-12°C
Open
1 to 2 hours before
Drink from
2024
Drink before
2042
Production
6,000 bottles
Food and wine pairings
Enjoy with skate wing in caper sauce, roast poultry, fresh goat cheese...
Wine Spectator
Rated estate (2021 guide) Recommended (Wine producer recommended by Wine Spectator)
Jancis Robinson
Wine rated (2024 guide) 17,5/20
About wine:
A slight physical shock to transition from the structural power of Huilkrans and Magnetic North to the golden brilliance and seduction of Hemelrand. The wine is so rich that it almost tastes sweet (which, with 2.7 g/l of residual sugar, is certainly not the case). It is a tango of sweetness and spice, bitterness and spice. Honey and potato jelly, kumquat marmalade and red apples. A shifting shimmer of golden herb spices. A long, whispering finish that leaves an impression of fireflies in its wake. 2024-2032
Vinous
Wine rated (2024 guide) 94/100
About wine:
Hemelrand Vine Garden 2023 comes from vines planted in 2010. Chris Alheit said that everything looked perfect until 12 or 14 days before the scheduled harvest date, when he began to see botrytis appearing on the Chenin Blanc. He briefly considered making a sweet wine from this fruit, but ultimately, as it is a field blend, the Chenin is "in the mix." As a result, the nose is slightly honeyed, but remains well defined with a subtle minerality. The palate is clear and precise with a slightly viscous texture, counterbalanced by acidity. Very distinctive in style and true to the vintage, it reveals a hint of bitter lemon on the finish. Very refined. 2026-2042
Tim Atkin
Rated estate (2020 guide) Recommended
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