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
RP	Robert Parker	93	2018
WS	Wine Spectator	92	2017
WE	Wine Enthusiast	90	2017

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.

Robert Parker (RP) : 93 Points (2018)

Displaying a golden hay color, the 2018 Cartology Bush Vines is a blend of 90% Chenin Blanc and 10% Sémillon. The wine opens with an expressive and bountiful nose with waxy citrus and nutty tones that give way to an undercurrent of minerality with a persistent dusty essence in the glass. Medium to full-bodied, the wine explodes on the palate with elements of smoke, lees and beeswax before giving way to hints of oak with flavors of marzipan, almond butter and dusty peach skin. The frame is held together by a tight structure with lifting acidity, moderate alcohol and a touch of phenolic bitterness that gives the mid-palate some complexity and weight. The wine continues to evolve in the mouth on the long, drawn-out finish long after it has left the palate. This is a beautiful, age-worthy wine that has mineral tension and is perfect for food.

Wine Spectator (WS) : 92 Points (2017)

Mouthfilling, but still a bit tight, featuring cardamom details flirting with yellow apple and honeysuckle notes. Very nuanced, with electric acidity and savory minerality that give this energy and focus. The mouthwatering finish is marked by details of quinine and verbena. Should develop nicely. Chenin Blanc and Sémillon. Best from 2021 through 2027.

Wine Enthusiast (WE) : 90 Points (2017)

At first, this is shy and reserved on the nose, with faint scents of white melon, lemon pith, honeysuckle and orange blossom. The palate offers a bit more expression, with ginger-orange tea, fresh hay and melon rind flavors that are braced up by tart, orange-laced acidity that invigorates the palate and carries through to the close. Best after 2021.