Alheit Single-Origin Chenin Blanc Mixed Case

The chenin blanc blocks for Magnetic North, planted in 1981 and 1984, sit at around 540m above sea level – higher than Huilkrans – on a ridge where the vines can see the Atlantic and feel the sea mists in the morning. Powerfully structured with a rooibos tea-leaf perfume and stony minerality, this has an unwavering drive and resonance on the finish, which just keeps going, and going. As ever, this is a wine which reverberates with energy – Chris Alheit describes this vibration quite beautifully as ‘an echo on the palate’; ‘it shimmers and echoes,’ he says. The vineyard is an ungrafted massal selection and Chris suggests the sheer life-force this wine contains is an ‘own-rooted thing.’ Please note that this wine is only available as part of the mixed case MX26174.

From the Alheits' Nuwedam property in the Paardeberg, this single-origin chenin blanc is planted on decomposed granite lying between 300-350 metres. Stony, smoky and earthy, its aromas evoke warm rocks, before fruit comes into the equation. On the palate there are pure, pristine citrus flavours and stony minerality with just the suggestion of native honeybush flowers. Chiselled, taut and vertical, this vibrates with pent-up energy, and is the most nervy of the Alheit chenin quartet on release - one that will, as ever, reward patience. Please note that this wine is only available as part of the mixed case MX26173.

Hailing from Stellenbosch, down in Firgrove, this chenin blanc comes from the Sinai Hill, a granitic outcrop farmed by Pieter Bredell, and benefitting from the cooling influence of False Bay. The 2024 rendition is ‘a show off of a wine,’ according to Chris Alheit, with a sweet-salty juxtaposition of ripe yellow fruit – Mirabelle plums and even pineapple – and a tangy kick. Expansive on the palate, with huge intensity, there is a little viscosity to the mouthfeel here and a lingering saline-mineral finish. Please note that this wine is only available as part of the mixed case MX26173.