Hemelrand Vine Garden 2016

Provenance

Private Client

Critics Ratings

'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. 2017-21.' - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2017, 94/100

'From mixed vineyard next to Alheits' Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge cellar. Roussanne-led 2016 with 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'; balance older barrels.' - Platter's SA Wine Guide 2018, 4.5* (93/100)

'A pale pineapple yellow, this white blend is laced with dusty white citrus minerality, limestone, grapefruit zest and wet chalk. There's a real old world restraint permeating this wine. The palate is intense and concentrated, bursting with yellow citrus, white peach, pineapple pastille, salty lemon and a honied, Bon Bon finish. I was expecting this young wine to be a lot tighter and leaner, but once again, the 2015 vintage intensity and opulence clearly shines through. Add to that the Alheit blending skill, and you're gifted a magical blend, seamlessly woven together, with a complex, slightly oily finish. Lovely now but will be even better in 2 to 3 years time.' - Greg Sherwood MW, 93/100 (Dec 2016)