Critics Ratings

'Nautical Dawn is another new wine from Chris Alheit and, as its name suggests, hails from vineyards that are very close to False Bay. Planted in 1978 and 1988, the two sites are both on granite soils, and used to go into Cartology. Spry, refreshing and athletic, this is a taut, saline white with a hint of nectarine sweetness. 2019-26.'- Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2018, 94/100

'From 2 Stellenbosch maritime chenin vineyards 30 & 40 years old. Much floral, white peach charm in 2017; youthful approachability in its ripe-fruited succulence, length, but doesn’t lack steely backbone necessary for interesting development.' - Platter's SA Wine Guide 2019, 4.5* (94/100)

'Grapes from a 1978 Helderberg vineyard and a 1988 Polkadraai vineyard both relatively close to False Bay. An exotic breakfast punch nose – guava, pear and peach in particular. Lots of sweet, bouncy fruit on the palate but there’s also snappy acidity before a suitably dry finish. Dead sexy. Alcohol: 13.47%.' - Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 95/100

'The 2017 Nautical Dawn comes from two vineyards on pure granite soils overlooking False Bay, fermented and matured in neutral old barrels. It has a very "come hither" bouquet of yellow fruit, lemon thyme and hints of lemon curd, all exceptionally well defined. The expressive palate features orange pith, white peach and guava, and the acidity is very well judged with just the right amount of salinity toward the finish. What a superb debut! '- Neal Martin, Vinous, 94/100 (Aug 2018)

'The 2017 Nautical Dawn Chenin Blanc is similar to the Fire by Night Chenin Blanc of the same range but is a touch less giving. The wine has Asian pear, beeswax and yuzu peel aromas with a kiss of minerality. It's a solid wine that is clean, correct and precise. The wine is medium-bodied and has a balanced acidity that brightens the mid-palate and lingers on the medium lingering finish. 275 cases were made.'- Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 90/100 (Oct 2019)

Provenance

Producer