‘Magnetic North’, Alheit Vineyards, 2020

GENERAL INFORMATION

Estate / Producer / Brand: Alheit Vineyards

Region: Hermanus, South Africa

Appellation: Western Cape WO

Type: Dry white wine, non-sparkling

Vintage: 2020

Date of Tasting: April 2023

Type of viticulture: conventional (not communicated)

Grapes used: 100% Chenin blanc

Vintage Blend: 100% grapes from 2020

Winemaking details: vines conducted in Gobelet, ungrafted vines, hand-harvested, hand-sorted, whole bunch pressing, alcoholic fermentation of 30 days

Aging: 12 months on lees + 6 months in bottle

Sugar level: low (1.81g/litre of residual sugar)

Sulphites: contains sulphites

APPEARANCE

  • Colour = Lemon (with green reflections)
  • Intensity = Pale

NOSE

  • Intensity = Pronounced
  • Aromas Characteristics = Primary + Secondary + Tertiary
  • Aromas = Apple, lemon, citrus, mineral notes, hints of smoke, blossom

PALATE

  • Sweetness = Dry
  • Acidity = Medium+
  • Tannins = no
  • Alcohol = Medium (13%)
  • Body = Medium+
  • Flavour Intensity = Pronounced
  • Flavour Characteristics = Primary + Secondary + Tertiary
  • Flavour details = Apple, lemon, citrus, grapefruit, mineral notes, hints of smoke, blossom, honeysuckle, baked apple
  • Other = beautiful vibrant acidity
  • Finish = Long

GENERAL ASSESSMENT (1)

  • Overall Quality = Outstanding
  • Bottle Aging =
    • Can be kept at around 8°C for up to 8-10 years
    • Can gain some complexity from aging
  • Retail Price = 95 euros for a 75cl individual bottle (France retail price, incl. taxes)
  • Value for Money = good
  • Comparison with same price competition = good
  • Suitability for Diabetics = low (1.81g/litre of residual sugar)
  • Service Temperature = around 12°C
  • Suggested Food & Wine Pairing = white meat, asian cuisine, sour cuisine, pork chops, Pintade
  • Comments = This is a superb Chenin Blanc from South Africa with lovely vibrant acidity, slightly exuberant fruit around apple, citrus and baked apple. A beautiful complexity and a long finish. In short, this wine is part of the big leagues!
  • Final Grade = A

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Wine is a gourmet treasure, do not abuse alcohol!

None of this content has been sponsored

I did not receive any gifts or free samples that could be related to this article

www.oray-wine.com


(1)GENERAL ASSESSMENT GUIDE

Please note that although all efforts have been made to be as objective as possible, the general assessment inherently involves a degree of subjectivity based on a personal evaluation of the wine.

  • Overall Quality scale
    • Poor < Acceptable < Good < Very Good < Outstanding
  • Bottle Aging
    • Will it beneficiate from additional aging?
  • Retail Price
    • Usually the retail price for one bottle including taxes
  • Value for Money
    • Quality offered compared to the price paid
  • Comparison with same price competition
    • where does it stand compared to average competition of the same price range
  • Suitability for Diabetics
    • Evaluation of the level of final sugar for early stages diabetics
  • Comments
    • Any additional elements worth noting
  • Final Grade Scale
    • A++ = Out of the Charts Wine (Stellar, Hors Classe, Fuori Classe)
    • A+ = Outstanding Wine
    • A = Great Wine
    • A- = Very Very Good
    • B+ = Very Good
    • B = Good
    • B- = Noteworthy
    • C+ = Acceptable
    • C = Poor
    • F = The worst grade of this scale

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