2022 Alheit Vineyards Nautical Dawn Chenin Blanc

Nautical Dawn (the phase between astrological dawn and civilian dawn - dark enough to see the stars for navigation, light enough to hoist a sail) is a single origin Chenin Blanc wine from the False Bay coast of Stellenbosch. Here dry farmed bushvine Chenin Blanc is planted from top to bottom on the hillside of Rustenhof farm in Firgrove (southern Stellenbosch), from where it's possible to see waves breaking only 4kms away. Nautical Dawn is made from a parcel planted in 1978 on the upper part of the slope where the vine rows run with the contour of the hill.

The grapes were hand sorted and whole bunch pressed. The resulting juice was very lightly settled with no additions and wild fermented in two 2000L Foudres. 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....
Chenin Blanc from a Lower Helderberg vineyard planted in 1978 on granite. Struck-match reduction before lime and white peach on the nose while the palate shows concentrated fruit and punchy acidity before a gently dry finish. A wine with a pleasing ripeness about it without being too luscious or loose.
95 Points
Christian Eedes - Winemag.co.za

The 2022 Nautical Dawn comes from granite soils. It is whole bunch pressed, fermented in a combination of barrels, foudres and cement eggs and matured for 12 months in two 2,000-liter foudres. I find this more expressive and terroir-driven than the Fire By Night this year - the mineralité coming through. The palate is vibrant and almost penetrating, with so much tension. It’s a live wire Chenin that is never shrill but fans out beautifully towards the lemon curd and orange rind-tinged finish, with hints of oyster shell on the aftertaste. Drink 2025 - 2037.
93 Points
Neal Martin - Antonio Galloni's Vinous

I like the orange fruit hints here like kumquats and apricots underneath crushed rocks, salted almonds and rosemary. Full of flavor, medium- to full-bodied, with intensity and power while remaining so fresh. Drink or hold.
94 Points
Claire Nesbitt - JamesSuckling.com

Complex and more lively than previous vintages, the 2022 Nautical Dawn offers better cohesion in the glass with a ripe, rich, round nose. Medium-bodied, the palate provides succulent acidity with a bright mouthfeel before showcasing a delightful mineral tension with a kiss of seaspray across the mid-palate. It concludes with a spicy finish that has me coming back for more. Be patient with this one—you’ll be tempted to open it before it’s time. The wine is fresh and bright and will likely be better with another year in the bottle. 5,100 bottles were produced after resting in foudre. Drink 2024 - 2037.
93+ Points
Anthony Mueller - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate