“I love this wine!” - Tamlyn Currin, 17.5 points

“One of my picks from Alheit this year. Excellent.“ - Neal Martin, 95 points

This used to be the one wine from Alheit Vineyards that we didn’t include in our allocation request, because we felt it always had too much Muscat in the blend. It’s perfectly clear to me, and should be to anyone else, that Chris Alheit has taken heed of our important opinion and has since reduced the percentage of Muscat and the wine is all the better for it. It’s still pretty and perfumed, but not as ‘muscaty’ as it was previously, with a delicate nose of meadow flowers, apricot and grapefruit and a lively stone-fruit-cocktail palate. Right, must dash, we need to go and tell that Eric Kohler how much Merlot to pop in his Chateau Lafite. 13.5% alc. A blend of 36% Chardonnay, 28% Roussanne, 18% Chenin, 17% Verdelho and 1% Muscat. Drink now-2029.

Press reviews:

Jancis Robinson MW (Tamlyn Currin): “A slight body shock to go from the structural power of Huilkrans and Magnetic North to the lustrous golden shimmer and seduction of Hemelrand. The wine is so rich it almost tastes sweet (which, at 2.7 g/l of residual, it most certainly is not). It's a tango of sweet and sharp, bitter and spice. Honey and crab-apple jelly, kumquat marmalade and russet apples. A shifting sifting shimmer of golden-grass spices. A long, murmuring finish leaving the sense of fireflies in its wake. Drink now-2032.” 17.5 points

Vinous (Neal Martin): “The 2023 Hemelrand Vine Garden comes from vines planted in 2010. Chris Alheit said that it was looking perfect until about 12 to 14 days before the intended picking date, when he started seeing some botrytis on the Chenin Blanc. He briefly considered making a sweet wine from the fruit, but in the end, since it is predesigned to be a field blend, the Chenin is "in the mix." Consequently, there is a slightly more honeyed tone to the nose, but it is still well defined with fine mineralite. The palate is clear and precise with a slightly viscous texture, counterbalanced by the acidity. Very distinctive in style and true to the growing season, it reveals a twist of bitter lemon on the aftertaste. Very fine. Drink 2026-2042.” 94 points

Tim Atkin MW: “Hemelrand comes from the vines that are planted around Chris Alheit's winery on the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge and is an intriguing cuvée of Chardonnay, Roussanne, Chenin Blanc, Verdelho and 1% (very perfumed) Muscat. Featuring some botrytis affected grapes caused by the rains in 2023, this has pear, orange zest and fresh grape flavours and some lees-derived texture. Drink now-2029.” 93 points

Decanter (previous vintage): "This organically-farmed wine showcases Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc, along with Roussanne, Verdelho and a touch of Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains, the vines planted in 2010 on a cool and breezy ridge. Aromas of lemon, beeswax, meadow grass and white flowers. Mouthcoating succulence balances unbridled acidity, with flavours of lemon drop, sage and candied ginger. Drink now-2037." 95 points