Alheit Vineyards - Olifants River Magnetic North Mountain 2024
96/100
James Suckling
93/100
Vinous
"This vintage from Alheit offers a surprising and fantastic tasting experience: this Chenin will stay with you for a long time!"
"I love the crisp, intriguing, earthy, and spicy character of this medium-bodied to full-bodied white wine. Aromas of lemon zest, grapefruit, and chopped fennel, along with notes of smoked tea and lemongrass, carry through to a textured and crisp palate. Fantastic concentration. This wine should age well. Made from ungrafted Chenin Blanc vines planted in red sandy soil at an elevation of 520 meters. Drink now or cellar.” (James Suckling 2025)
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Eye
Straw-colored, with golden highlights, and a brilliant sheen
Nose
A complex blend of grapefruit, rooibos, and pear, with fresh notes reminiscent of sea mist
Palate
Powerful yet ethereal, it offers a vibrant structure, magnificent balance, and rich texture, with a long, refined finish that is subtly salty and zesty
Serve
At 10-12°C
Open
1 to 2 hours before
Drink from
2025
Drink before
2042
Food and wine pairings
Enjoy it with Pastis-roasted sea bass, soy sauce-sautéed shrimp, or bluefin tuna tataki...
Wine Spectator
Rated estate (2021 guide) Recommended (Wine producer recommended by Wine Spectator)
Vinous
Wine rated (2025 guide) 93/100
About the wine:
Magnetic North 2024 comes from a mass selection of 2.8 hectares of Chenin Blanc planted on their own roots in 1981 and 1984 in Skurfburg, which, according to Alheit, were not infected with leaf roll. It has a slightly yeasty bouquet, with aromas of melted wax and a hint of toasted hazelnut. The palate is slightly lively on the attack, with notes of grapefruit and tart lemon; it is crisp and concentrated, with a hint of rooibos on a lingering finish. It may not be a wine that appeals to everyone like the Nautical Dawn, but it is a fascinating and captivating wine. 2026–2042
James Suckling
Wine rated (2025 guide) 96/100
About the wine:
I love the crisp, intriguing, earthy, and spicy character of this medium-bodied to full-bodied white wine. Aromas of lemon zest, grapefruit, and chopped fennel, along with notes of smoked tea and lemongrass, carry through to a textured and crisp palate. Fantastic concentration. This wine should age well. Made from ungrafted Chenin Blanc vines planted in red sandy soil at an elevation of 520 meters. Drink now or cellar.
Tim Atkin
Rated winery (2020 guide) Recommended
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