2021 Alheit Vineyards Hemelrand Vine Garden

Hemelrand Vine Garden is a white field blend that changes every year depending on the vintage conditions, as the idea behind is to bottle a wine just as the vineyard produces it. The Hemelrand vineyard, situated on the Hemel & Aarde Ridge at 360 meters above sea level on gravelly clay and Sandstone, was planted in 2010 to Chardonnay, Roussanne, Verdelho, Chenin blanc and Muscat Blanc a petit grain. As mentioned, the proportions of the different grapes produced significantly varies each vintage. The 2020 release is composed of 32% Chardonnay, 25% Roussanne, 25% Chenin, 13% Verdelho and 5% Muscat.

The grapes were hand sorted in the vineyard and whole bunch pressed. The resulting juice was very lightly settled with no additions and wild fermented in old barrels of various sizes. After fermentation, the wine was kept on lees for around twelve months, then rested in tank on fine lees without fining for a further six months prior to bottling.

Other Reviews....
The 2021 Hemelrand Vine Garden is one of Chris Alheit's biggest successes and encapsulates everything great about his wine. Initially quite neutral, it reveals wondrous sea spray, honeysuckle, Provençal herbs and hints of powdered chalk on the nose. The palate has exquisite balance, very cohesive and intense, yet the acidity keeps this so fresh with hints of yellow plum, frangipane and quince towards the extended finish. You just want to go back for another sip (and I bet you will). Drink 2024-2042.
96 points
Neal Martin - Vinous

Made with grapes grown around the Hemelrand winery, Vine Garden is an intriguing medley of 36% Chardonnay, 27% Roussanne and a co-fermentation of 37% Chenin Blanc, Verdelho and Muscat. Spicy and perfumed, with peach, tangerine and grapefruit flavours, understated oak and bright cool climate acidity. Drink 2023-2027.
93 points
Tim Atkin MW - South Africa Special Report