Alheit Vineyards
Cartology 2019
Cape Heritage
About the SessionA selection of South Africa’s finest wines, inspired by our rich wine heritage and the unique character of the Cape Winelands. Chenin Blanc is celebrated for its remarkable versatility, producing an exceptional range of wine styles, particularly in South Africa, home to the oldest Chenin Blanc vines in the world. These historic vineyards continue to produce wines of great diversity, elegance, and ageing potential. The Pinotage selection showcases leading producers, all of whom have become consistent flag bearers for this proudly South African variety.
About this Item
Cartology (meaning the study of maps) is a vinous exploration of Cape heritage. It's intended to be a picture of the Cape, seen through the lens of her mature vineyards, in a given vintage. Therefore, the cuveé is composed of rare and extraordinary parcels of mature dryland bushvines. Naturally, the varieties used are also heritage varieties, namely Chenin blanc and Semillon. They have been planted in the Cape for centuries.
The 2019 vintage produced wines of classical restraint and fine mineral definition across the Western Cape's most celebrated old-vine Chenin Blanc sources, a season of natural concentration and focused expression that drew wide critical praise. Alheit Vineyards' 2019 Cartology earned 95 points from Tim Atkin MW and 95 points from Anthony Mueller at The Wine Advocate.
Provenance
The late David Brice was a respected wine connoisseur, collector and co-founder of Brice and Burnett – The Fine Wine Specialists (formerly Wine Cellar). His lifelong passion for wine from all corners of the world wine, and generosity, helped develop a culture of fine wine in South Africa and beyond. Always with value and authenticity in mind, the collection spans a wide range of styles from leading producers and diverse regions. The wines were professionally imported under refrigeration and carefully stored at Brice and Burnett (formerly Wine Cellar) thereafter. Many of the producers are not available in South Africa and provide an excellent buying opportunity.
For more detailed information on the lots, please feel free to contact Roland Peens (roland@briceandburnett.co.za). Roland spent many years sharing and enjoying these wines with David Brice and is happy to provide further insight into the collection.
Critics Ratings
"At first shy and reserved on the nose with faint scents of white melon, lemon pith, honeysuckle and orange blossom. The palate offers more expression with ginger-orange tea, fresh hay and melon rind flavours braced by tart, orange-laced acidity that invigorates the palate and carries through to the close." - Anthony Mueller, The Wine Advocate, 95/100 (Sep 2020)
"A masterclass in old-vine Chenin Blanc sourcing. Cartology remains the definitive portrait of the Cape's heritage white grape traditions." - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2020, 95/100 (Sep 2020)
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