Alheit Vineyards : Hereafter Here 2023

Tasting Notes and Recommendations for Hereafter Here 2023 from Alheit Vineyards

Tasting

Color
The color displays a bright, pale yellow hue.

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

Palate
On the palate, the wine unfolds a flavorful profile, marked by a flowing texture and growing depth. The overall impression is elegant and composed, supported by a mineral structure from the granitic soils as well as a harmonious interplay between lees aging and the purity of the fruit.

Serving Recommendations and Cellaring Potential

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

The Precision and Refinement of a Chenin Blanc from the Western Cape

The Estate

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

The Vineyard

Hereafter Here 2023 comes from young Chenin Blanc vines grown as bush vines (gobelet) across several Western Cape terroirs of the Western Cape: Swartland, Piekenierskloof, Bottelary, Polkadraai, Paardeberg, and Tygerberg. Planted between 60 and 700 meters in altitude on predominantly granitic soils, these vines benefit from a warm Mediterranean climate with ocean influences. They are farmed under sustainable, non-interventionist practices as dry-farmed vines, with low planting density and yields limited to 20 hectoliters per hectare.

Vinification and Aging

After hand harvesting, Hereafter Here 2023 is vinified with indigenous yeasts. The grapes are pressed as whole clusters, then fermented for two months in old barrels. Aging continues for 12 months on the lees in the same vessels, followed by a further 6 months in tank on fine lees. This approach allows aromatic complexity to develop without compromising the purity of the fruit.

Grape Variety

This white wine from South Africa is 100% Chenin Blanc.