Alheit Vineyards - Hemelrand Vine Garden 2022 (750ml)
Price: $53.99
| Producer | Alheit Vineyards |
| Country | South Africa |
| Region | Western Cape |
| Varietal | White Blend |
| Vintage | 2022 |
| Sku | 204262 |
| Size | 750ml |
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Alheit Vineyards Description
High-energy, exotic nose of musky apricot and talcum, fresh apple and lime. On the palate the attack is like stoney mineral water, swiftly followed by mouth filling texture and tense tart acidity. A lovely Hemelrand wine, close to a perfect representation of the site
The grapes were picked early in the morning, sorting in the vineyard, and whole bunch pressed. The juice was very lightly settled (we like very cloudy raw juice) with no additions to the raw juice, wild fermentation took place in old barrels of various sizes. Fermentation lasted for about two months. The wine was kept on lees for around 12 months, then rested in tank on fine lees without fining for a further six months prior to bottling. Very simple, careful winemaking.
As always, the nose is intense and exotic, sporting salted lemon and quince, oatmeal and a hint of white flowers. The palate has tremendous drive, with great acidity balancing richness. Very long finish. This is a great Vine Garden vintage.
Alc:14.35% RS:2.7 TA:5.85 pH:3.33 Wine of Origin: Hemel & Aarde Ridge (Estate Wine) Grower: Hans Evenhuis Varieties: 31% Chardonnay, 29% Roussanne, 20% Chenin, 18% Verdelho, 2% Muscat Bottling date: May 2023 Production: 3823 bottles and 60 magnums
The Name: Vine Garden aptly describes both the attention to detail in small scale viticulture on Hemelrand and the handful of grape varieties represented in the vineyard.
Vinous: 95 Points
The 2022 Hemelrand Vine Garden comes from the vines around the winery, and to quote Alheit, "Whatever is in the field goes into the bottle." It benefits from a slightly cooler climate, but there was a bit of botrytis on the Chenin this year. That is detectable on the nose with a touch of wild honey, peach skin and crushed limestone aromas. The palate is fresh on the entry, very well defined with hints of nectarine and wild peach and a very seductive and persistent finish. One of my picks from Alheit this year. Excellent.
