Alheit Vineyards - Chenin Blanc Cartology 2022 (750ml)
Price: $58.99
| Producer | Alheit Vineyards |
| Country | South Africa |
| Region | South Africa |
| Varietal | Chenin Blanc |
| Vintage | 2022 |
| Sku | 202652 |
| Size | 750ml |
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Alheit Vineyards Description
Alheit Vineyards is a family business started in 2010 by husband and wife team Chris and Suzaan Alheit. They met at Stellenbosch University, fell in love, travelled the world together, got married, then travelled some more. Eventually they settled on Hemelrand farm close to Hermanus and started their project.
In the cellar we use gentle whole cluster pressing, hardly settling (we like very cloudy raw juice), no additions to the raw juice, wild fermentation in either cement eggs, clay pots, foudres, or old barrels (various sizes). The wine is kept on lees for around twelve months, then rested in tank without fining for a further four months prior to bottling.
Cartology means the study of maps or charts. It could not be a more perfect name for this wine. Not only because of our endeavours to search for and find these special old vineyards, but also because the wine itself can be seen as a vinous map or tapestry of the Cape.
94% Chenin Blanc, 6% Sémillon
The nose is bloody great and so is the palate. End of note. More specifically, expect ripe pear, citrus rind, and some sweet herbal notes on the nose. The palate is energetic, just about perfectly weighted somewhere between richness and crystalline refreshment. The finish is long and moreish.
James Suckling: 94 Points
Wonderfully concentrated white showing fresh apricots, waxed lemons, crushed stones and green mangoes, with a touch of jasmine and lime. Medium-bodied, compact and waxy on the palate. Beautifully long and composed with perfectly ripe stone fruit notes lingering. 92% chenin blanc and 8% semillon. Drink or hold.
Vinous: 92 Points
The 2022 Cartology is whole bunch pressed with no sulfur added until mid-winter with five months in tank on the fine lees. It has a very pure bouquet with yellow plum, egg whites and candle wax. This unfolds beautifully in the glass. The palate is well-balanced with a lively opening, citrus-fresh with orange rind and lime. Alheit mentioned how difficult it was to obtain the acidity, but I think he achieved it here. Excellent, even if I don't consider it the best Cartology ever made
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