2020 Alheit Vineyards Magnetic North Chenin Blanc

Magnetic North is a single origin Chenin Blanc from the Citrusdal Mountain ward, one of the northernmost wine regions in South Africa. The vineyard lies a few degrees off true north from the Alheit cellar, roughly on magnetic North. It is made from two parcels of dry farmed ungrafted bushvine Chenin growing on at 520m above sea level on red iron-rich sand over gravel and red clay.
The grapes were hand sorted and whole bunch pressed. The resulting juice was very lightly settled with no additions and wild fermented in a four year old 2000L Foudre. After fermentation, the wine was kept on lees for around twelve months, then rested in tank on fine lees without fining for a further six months prior to bottling.

Other Reviews....
The 2020 Magnetic North comes from iron-rich soils and vines planted in 1981 and 1984. It has a distinctive nose with rooibos and fynbos scents, earthy perhaps and well-defined; you'll either love it or hate it (mine is the former). The palate is well balanced with a very tangy entry: marmalade, kumquat and grapefruit, so bitter that it might put some people off. But Alheit describes it as a "weirdo" and the best wine he's made. Impressive, though not his best wine in this vintage (then again, the bar is set high at this address). Drink: 2023-2036.
92 points
Neal Martin - Vinous

A distinctive white, almost pungent on the nose, with notes of fresh-cut grass, steeped orange peel, pine and flint following through to the palate to join candied black cherry and apricot fruit. Creamy, with a bright backbone of acidity and a minerally underpinning of smoke and salt. This will have both lovers and haters, but will probably shine brightest paired with food; try grilled fish. Drink now. 112 cases made.
90 points
Wine Spectator