Alheit Vineyards : Hereafter Here 2023

Tasting characteristics and advice for Alheit Vineyards Hereafter Here 2023

Tasting

Appearance
The wine displays a bright pale yellow hue.

Nose
Delicate and expressive, the nose opens with aromas of ripe yellow fruits alongside notes of sweet herbs. The bouquet also reveals nuances of lemon, lime and green apple, enhanced by mineral touches reminiscent of beeswax and crushed stone. This 2023 vintage stands out for a more subtle, softer personality than previous vintages.

Palate
On the palate, the wine unfolds a flavorful profile defined by a fluid texture and increasing depth. The overall impression is elegant and serene, carried by a mineral structure drawn from granite soils and a harmonious interplay between lees and fruit purity.

Serving and cellaring

Hereafter Here 2023 is best enjoyed at a temperature between 10 and 12°C. This wine has cellaring potential until around 2033, allowing its complexity to blossom over time. .

The precision and refinement of a Western Cape chenin blanc

The estate

Founded in 2011 by Chris and Suzaan Alheit, Alheit Vineyards has established itself as an essential reference in South African winegrowing. Trained under Eben Sadie, the couple farms 21 hectares spread across eight parcels in the Western Cape. Based at Hemelrand Farm near Hermanus, they apply a radically minimalist philosophy that favors work in the vineyard and fermentations with indigenous yeasts to celebrate the authenticity of the Cape’s terroirs.

The vineyard

Hereafter Here 2023 comes from young chenin blanc vines grown as bush vines across several terroirs in the Western Cape: Swartland, Piekenierskloof, Bottelary, Polkadraai, Paardeberg and Tygerberg. Planted between 60 and 700 meters above sea level on predominantly granitic soils, these vines benefit from a warm Mediterranean climate with ocean influences. Farmed using sustainable, non-interventionist practices, they are dry-farmed with low planting density and yields limited to 20 hectoliters per hectare.

Winemaking and aging

After hand harvesting, Hereafter Here 2023 is vinified with indigenous yeasts. The grapes are pressed as whole clusters and then fermented in old barrels for two months. Aging continues for 12 months on lees in these same vessels, followed by an additional 6 months in tanks on fine lees. This approach helps develop aromatic complexity while preserving fruit purity.

Grape variety

This white wine from South Africa is 100% chenin blanc.