Alheit Vineyards Cartology Bush Vines 2021

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Alheit Vineyards
Cartology Bush Vines 2021

Vintage : 2021
Country : South Africa
Region :
Subregion
Type : White
Style Creamy Full Bodied White
Format : 75cl
Alcohol : 13°
Grappes : 90% Chenin Blanc, 90% Chenin Blanc, 10% Sémillon

Experts		Score	Vintage
VN	Vinous (Antonio Galloni)	95	2021
RP	Robert Parker	92	2021
W&S	Wines & Spirits	91	2021
WS	Wine Spectator	92	2020
WE	Wine Enthusiast	92	2018

More information on wine critics and ratings

Description
Reviews

Cartology is a vinous exploration of Cape heritage. It’s intended to be a picture of the Cape seen through the lens of her old vineyards in a given vintage. The cuveé is composed of rare and extraordinary parcels of mature dryland bushvines, of heritage grapes, namely Chenin Blanc and Sémillon.

These grapes have been planted in the Cape for centuries. Cartology has become our staple offering. It serves as a poster child for our project, and also seems to have become a flag bearer for Cape heritage wine in general.

Vinous (Antonio Galloni) (VN) : 95 Points (2021)

The 2021 Cartology is a worthy follow-up to the 2020. It unfurls gradually on the nose with honeysuckle and light yellow plum and mirabelle scents, a mineral undertow that stealthily gains prominence. The palate is very well balanced with just a killer line of acidity; Nashi pear and yellow plum commingle towards a resinous finish. After 10 minutes, it really beginning to fire on all cylinders - another magnificent Cartology. Superb.

Robert Parker (RP) : 92 Points (2021)

This year, Chris Alheit had a delightful little surprise in store for me with a vertical of Cartology from 2022 to 2018. Bursting with energetic acidity, the 2021 Cartology Bush Vines is incredibly food friendly but will need one more year to come around. Medium-bodied, the wine is spicy on the mid-palate with a complex and mineral-laced expression before ending with a succulent finish. Rating: 92+

Wines & Spirits (W&S) : 91 Points (2021)

This chenin includes ten percent semillon and showcases restrained flavors, layering together citrus oil richness and a mouthwatering texture ready for pork chops. The fruit of dry-farmed bush vines at least 35 years of age, this wine’s intensity marks the long finish, where clean pear flavors come to prominence. It should show more personality with age.

Wine Spectator (WS) : 92 Points (2020)

This racy white delivers macerated raspberry and apricot fruit accented by delicate dried chamomile and milled white pepper notes. Light- to medium-bodied, with a backbone of rapierlike acidity wrapped in a honeyed, lightly mouth-coating texture. Minerally finish. Chenin Blanc and Sémillon.

Wine Enthusiast (WE) : 92 Points (2018)

A blend of 90% Chenin Blanc and 10% Sémillon, this just screams Chenin from the glass, thanks to notes of waxed melon rind, crisp pear slices, lightly toasted apple and pressed yellow flowers. The medium-weight palate feels round and filling on entry, but is then picked up after the sip thanks to focused acidity and a light astringent texture that lends length to the finish. Overall, this is well-balanced and ready to go now and through 2026.