Critics Ratings

2015 - ‘From a young mixed vineyard next to Alheits’ Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge cellar - Roussanne, Chenin, Chardonnay and Verdelho. Roussanne-led 2015 evokes sunny floral charm; graceful, gentle texture, very long. Unobtrusive 14.5% alcohol. Native ferment, 60% older oak, rest cement ‘egg’.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2017, 5* (95/100)

‘New to the Alheit portfolio, and unusual in that it’s made from grapes grown around the winery on the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, this is a Roussanne-based blend with some Chardonnay, Verdelho and Chardonnay. Herbal, peachy and complex, showing plump, supple favours and a hint of oak.’ - Tim Atkin SA Special Report 2016, 92/100

2016 - ‘From a mixed vineyard next to Alheits’ Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge cellar. Roussanne-led 2016 with a telling 3% fragrant Muscat de Frontignan. Its richness blossoms with soft summer fruits, including white peach. Lovely energy, fruit-filled length. Much like 2015 (5 stars, 95 pts), 30% fermented/matured in concrete ‘egg’ and the balance in older barrels.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2018, 4.5* (93/100)

‘The only one of Chris Alheit’s wines that comes from the Hemel en Aarde Ridge, right outside the winery, this is a blend of Roussanne, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Verdelho and Muscat. Just off dry, with rose water, orange zest and stone fruit flavours, balancing acidity and a leesy, textured mid-palate.’ - Tim Atkin SA Special Report 2017, 94/100

‘Deep flavoured, without a single variety dominating but with real grunt, acidity and lots of acidity – perhaps the Verdelho factor? Maritime? Green vegetation flavours in this cocktail. Like a right-on bride’s bouquet.’ - Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com, 16.5/20 (Oct 2017)

2017 - ‘Sophisticated 2017 near-equal Chenin, Chardonnay, Roussanne, and Verdelho with subtle 4% Muscat de Frontignan; from mixed Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge vineyard. Seductively silky; plenty of underlying energy to focus floral and stonefruit. Whole greater than sum of parts.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2019, 4.5* (93/100)

‘This wine comes from the young vineyard planted on Hemelrand farm in 2010 at 360 m above sea level on the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge. This is a slow-ripening site, resulting in full flavour and high acidity. Complex stone fruit and pear aromas, gently floral, with spice and savoury white-Rhône notes. Smells fat and rich and is really rich and massive on the palate.’ - Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson.com, 17.5/20 (Jul 2018)

‘Hemelrand, which surrounds Chris Alheit’s cellar on the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, is a field blend, planted as recently as 2010 with Chardonnay, Roussanne, Verdleho, Chenin Blanc, Viognier and Muscat. This is wonderfully fragrant and exotic, all musk, lemongrass and passion fruit with a brisk, tangy finish. 2019-23.’ - Tim Atkin SA Special Report 2018, 92/100

Provenance

Producer