Alheit Vineyards - Western Cape Huilkrans 2022
99/100
Tim Atkin
95/100
James Suckling
94/100
Robert Parker
92+
Vinous
"White wine of the year" according to Tim Atkin, not to be missed!"
"Magnetic North wasn't released in 2022 (Chris Alheit, ever the perfectionist, felt it wasn't good enough), so fans of his Citrusdal Mountain will have to make do with this stunning wine from Jozua Visser's neighboring estate. Selection was rigorous, yields were correspondingly low, but the sacrifice was worth it. After two failures in 2020 and 2021, this wine is a triumph over the elements by a world-class winemaker, with the density and understated power of a Corton-Charlemagne (Burgundy appellation). Complex, layered and deep, it has lemony intensity, flavors of garrigue, citrus, yellow apple and rooibos, and a long, tapered finish." (Tim Atkin 2023)
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Nose
Rich, fruity bouquet of pomelo, apricot and orange, accompanied by aromas of almond, rooibos, notes of petrichor and sea spray.
Mouth
Powerful, waxy attack, lively freshness, layered, creamy structure, flavours of garrigue, lemon, ginger, long, fruity finish.
Serve
At 10-12°C
Open
1 hour before
Drink before
2040
Production
Produced in 3796 bottles and 120 magnums
Food and wine pairing
Enjoy with sweetbreads with morel mushrooms, filet mignon with honey, tomato chutney...
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate
Wine rated ( 2023 guide) 94/100 (Great wine)
About the wine:
Displaying a delicious rusticity in the glass, Huilkrans 2022 offers notes of dusty lemon peel and ripe citrus blossom, before wrapping itself in aromas of petrichor and spicy peach skin. Medium-bodied, the wine opens up on the palate, revealing seductive flavors of spicy white tea with pleasantly dusty, savory notes. Just under 4,000 bottles were produced after resting in a mix of foudre and old casks. 2024-2040
Wine Spectator
Domaine noté (guide 2021) Recommended (Wine producer recommended by Wine Spectator)
Vinous
Wine rated (2023 guide) 92+
About the wine:
Huilkrans 2022, a chenin blanc from the Citrusdal Mountains, is the first release since 2019. The nose is very tight, delineated with hints of sea spray, perhaps less expressive than I would have liked. For now, it's closed, but the bottle's age will benefit this cuvée. The palate is much more talkative, with a lovely waxy texture and hints of ginger and lemon zest, which extend nicely towards the finish. Great potential, provided you're patient. 2027-2040
James Suckling
Wine rated (2023 guide) 95/100
About the wine:
Nose of pomelo and lime blossom, but also wild rice, almonds and apricots. Waxy, creamy and elegant, with medium body and lively, zesty freshness, even in a hot vintage. Vibrant and very, very lively. Drink or cellar.
Tim Atkin
Rated (guide 2023) 99/100 - White wine of the year
Graded area (2020 guide) Recommended
About the wine:
Magnetic North wasn't released in 2022 (Chris Alheit, ever the perfectionist, felt it wasn't good enough), so fans of his Citrusdal Mountain will have to make do with this stunning wine from Jozua Visser's neighboring estate. Selection was rigorous, yields were correspondingly low, but the sacrifice was worth it. After two failures in 2020 and 2021, this wine is a triumph over the elements by a world-class winemaker, with the density and understated power of a Corton-Charlemagne (Burgundy appellation). Complex, layered and deep, it has lemony intensity, flavors of garrigue, citrus, yellow apple and rooibos, and a long, tapering finish.
Customer rating
5/5
on 1 reviews
Note and review by M. ROB P. Published on 24/04/2025
See all reviews from this customer
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