Alheit Vineyards 'Monument' Sémillon 2021

Chris Alheit, proving once again, that the excitement is warranted. 

The fruit for this blinding bottle comes from parcels of of Semillon Blanc, Semillon Gris and Semillon Rose, originally planted in 1936 in Franschhoek and the concentration of those old vines really comes across in this wine. A pure expression of Semillon with citrus, nuts, apricot and butterscotch. The palate is weighty, textured and intense with a nice waxy grip and something herbal happening. Impressive depth and an eternal carry, suggesting that this wine will likely continue to drink well for 15 more years. 

Fermented and aged in 7 year old barrels and kept on its primary lees for 18 months, bottled without fining or filtration. Very simple, careful winemaking.

Press review:

Tim Atkin MW: “All made with fruit from the historic La Colline vineyard, planted on a south-facing slop in 1936, this field blend of Semillon and Semillon Gris is a wonderful, slightly feral wine with a note of fresh sweat on the nose (nicer than it sounds, believe me), subtle reduction, some rose petal top notes, lime and lemon peel flavours, understated oak and a leesy, stony finish. 2023-2030.” 96 points

It's very rare for new producers to achieve critical acclaim and cult status as immediately as Chris Alheit - now a producer that, if you are a fan of wines of the Western Cape, you simply have to know. 

Alheit Vineyard declares its aim as being ‘to vinify extraordinary Cape vineyards’. The fact that Chris and Suzaan Alheit set out on their venture to make only white wine, is a testament to their commitment to seek out some of the oldest vineyard blocks in the country. Using the knowledge and contacts of leading viticulturist, Rosa Kruger, within two short years, Alheit Vineyards established itself as the most talked about winery in the Cape, with its limited releases being highly sought-after, globally.

Winery space is rented in shed, originally conceived as an olive oil production facility, on the Hemel-en-Aarde road out of Hermanus. Probably as far away as one could expect to be from their primary grape sources on the West Coast.