Alheit Hemelrand Vine Garden Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge 2023

94 points Neal Martin (Vinous): "The 2023 Hemelrand Vine Garden comes from vines planted in 2010. Chris Alheit said that it was looking perfect until about 12 to 14 days before the intended picking date, when he started seeing some botrytis on the Chenin Blanc. He briefly considered making a sweet wine from the fruit, but in the end, since it is predesigned to be a field blend, the Chenin is "in the mix." Consequently, there is a slightly more honeyed tone to the nose, but it is still well defined with fine mineralite. The palate is clear and precise with a slightly viscous texture, counterbalanced by the acidity. Very distinctive in style and true to the growing season, it reveals a twist of bitter lemon on the aftertaste. Very fine. Drink 2026-2042. (Aug 2024)."

93 points James Suckling: "Aromatic and exotic, showing lychee, melon, orange-blossom, peach and honeysuckle aromas. Some apricot compote. It’s medium- to full-bodied, lightly oily in texture yet fresh and wonderfully floral. 36% chardonnay, 28% roussanne, 18% chenin blanc, 17% verdelho and 1% muscat. Delicious now. (10/25/24)."

93 points Tim Atkin, MW: "[13.5%] Hemelrand comes from the vines that are planted around Chris Alheit's winery on the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge and is an intriguing cuvée of Chardonnay, 28% Roussanne, 18% Chenin Blanc, 17% Verdelho and 1% (very perfumed) Muscat. Featuring some botrytisaffected grapes caused by the rains in 2023, this has pear, orange zest and fresh grapeflavours and some lees-derived texture. 2024-2029. (2024)."