2022 Alheit Vineyards Huilkrans Chenin Blanc

Huilkrans is a single origin Chenin Blanc from the Skurfberg, drawn from dry-farmed bushvine parcels planted between 1974 and 1989 on Oudam farm—a remote, mountainous site rich in red sand and clay, sitting 450m above sea level. These wide-planted, low-yielding vineyards give rise to a wine of weight and gravitas: if Magnetic North is the tenor voice of Skurfberg, Huilkrans is the baritone—deep-toned, brooding, yet unmistakably of its place.

The grapes were hand sorted and whole bunch pressed. The juice was very lightly settled, with no additions, resulting in a raw, cloudy must. Wild fermentation took place in a combination of old barrels (mostly 400L) and large foudres, lasting about a month. The wine remained on gross lees for twelve months, before resting in tank on fine lees for a further six months prior to bottling.

Other Reviews....
First vintage of this wine since 2019. Chenin Blanc from Skurfberg vineyards planted between 1974 and 1989 on red sand over clay. Lemon, grapefruit, hay and almond on the nose while the palate shows stupendous concentration, fresh acidity and a decidedly bitter finish – great intensity of flavour. A dramatic wine, full of character.
97 Points
Christian Eedes - Winemag.co.za

The 2022 Huilkrans, Chenin Blanc from the Citrusdal Mountains, is the first release since 2019. This is very tight on the nose, delineated with touches of sea spray coming through, perhaps less expressive than I would have liked. Hemmed in at the moment, but bottle age will benefit this cuvée. The palate is much more chatty, with a lovely waxy texture and touches of ginger and lemon rind, stretching out nicely towards the finish. Great potential...but be patient. Drink 2027 - 2040.
92+ Points
Neal Martin - Antonio Galloni's Vinous

Pomelo pith and lime blossom on the nose, with wild rice, almonds and apricots too. Waxy, creamy and sleek, with a medium body and a lively, zesty freshness, even from a hot vintage. Vibrant and very, very alive. Drink or hold.
95 Points
Claire Nesbitt - JamesSuckling.com

Displaying a delightful rusticity in the glass, the 2022 Huilkrans offers notes of dusty lemon peel with ripe citrus blossoms before wafting with petrichor and spiced peach skin aromas. Medium-bodied, the wine opens up on the palate, revealing seductive flavors of spiced white tea with pleasing dusty and savory notes. Just under 4,000 bottles were produced after resting in a mix of foudre and old barrels. Drink 2024-2040.
94 Points
Anthony Mueller - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate