Alheit Vineyards Monument Semillon 2021

The 2021 Monument lives up to its name (having previously been labelled “La Colline”). This is a great Semillon, perhaps a step up from the 2020. Yellow plum and honeysuckle intermingle with dried apricot and a very light, cereal-like note on the nose. The palate is well balanced with a slight flor-like note on the entry. It comes with a fine spine of acidity and yellow fruit mixed with stem ginger on the persistent finish. Give this three or four years in bottle. Drink 2022-2040. 93 points, Neal Martin – Vinous

Chris Alheit normally uses grapes from two parts of the legendary, south-facing La Colline vineyard for Monument, but in 2021 they all came from the top of the slope. Showing the balance of its old-vine source (planted in 1936 or possibly earlier), this combines leesy weight with notes of fynbos and green herbs, subtle skin tannins and an intense, stony core. Drink 2023-2030. 97 points, Tim Atkin MW – South Africa Special Report

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