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—don’t miss it!”
“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 settle for this stunning wine from Jozua Visser’s neighboring vineyard. The selection was rigorous, yields were low as a result, 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 (a Burgundy appellation). Complex, layered, and deep, it offers lemony intensity, flavors of garrigue, citrus, yellow apple, and rooibos, along with a long, tapered finish.” (Tim Atkin 2023)
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Nose
A rich, fruity bouquet with aromas of pomelo, apricot, and orange, complemented by notes of almond, rooibos, and hints of earth and sea spray
Palate
A powerful, buttery attack; lively freshness; a layered, creamy texture; flavors of garrigue, lemon, and ginger; a long, fruity finish
Serve
At 10-12°C
Open
1 hour before
Drink before
2040
Production
Produced in a run of 3,796 bottles and 120 magnums
Food and wine pairings
Serve with veal sweetbreads with morels, honey-glazed filet mignon, tomato chutney...
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate
Rated 94/100 (2023 Guide) (An outstanding wine)
About the wine:
Displaying a delightful rusticity in the glass, the 2022 Huilkrans offers notes of dusty lemon zest and ripe citrus blossoms, before unfolding with aromas of petrichor and spicy peach skin. Medium-bodied, the wine opens up on the palate, revealing seductive flavors of spiced white tea with pleasant earthy and savory notes. Just under 4,000 bottles were produced after aging in a mix of large casks and old barrels. 2024–2040
Wine Spectator
Rated estate (2021 guide) Recommended (Wine producer recommended by Wine Spectator)
Vinous
Wine rated (2023 guide) 92+
About the wine:
The Huilkrans 2022, a Chenin Blanc from the Citrusdal Mountains, is the first release since 2019. The nose is very tight, defined by hints of sea spray, perhaps less expressive than I would have liked. For now, it’s closed, but bottle aging will do this wine good. The palate is much more expressive, with a lovely waxy texture and hints of ginger and lemon zest that extend nicely into the finish. Great potential, provided you’re patient. 2027–2040
James Suckling
Wine rated (2023 guide) 95/100
About the wine:
Aromas of pomelo and linden blossoms, as well as wild rice, almonds, and apricots. Waxy, creamy, and elegant, with medium body and a lively, zesty freshness, even in a hot vintage. Vibrant and very, very lively. Ready to drink or worth cellaring.
Tim Atkin
Rated 99/100 (2023 Guide) – White Wine of the Year
Rated winery (2020 guide) Recommended
About the wine:
Magnetic North was not released in 2022 (Chris Alheit, ever the perfectionist, felt it wasn’t good enough), so fans of his Citrusdal Mountain will have to settle for this stunning wine from Jozua Visser’s neighboring vineyard. The selection was rigorous, yields were consequently 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 (a Burgundy appellation). Complex, layered, and deep, it offers citrus intensity, flavors of garrigue, citrus, yellow apple, and rooibos, along with a long, tapered finish.
Customer rating
5/5
based on 1 review
Review by Mr. ROB P. Posted on April 24, 2025
See all reviews from this customer
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