“This is simply outstanding." - Neal Martin, 95 points

We are offering the Cartology 2020 on a 'first-come, first-served' basis, which, when you think about it, is nothing more than the usual terms of engagement between merchant and customer. In fact, supermarket checkout queues would be pandemonium if any other system were in place. The point I was trying to make, before you so rudely interrupted, is that our allocation is tiny, so don't dilly dally.

We were lucky enough to attend a vertical tasting of every vintage since its debut in 2011, so we can safely say that Cartology is a wine that ages beautifully for at least a decade. The Chenin Blanc component (representing 93% of the blend) comes from a widespread patchwork of parcels in the Skurfberg, Tygerberg and Paardeberg, as well as Bottelary, Stellenbosch, Piekenierskloof, False Bay and Botrivier and the Semillon comes from the old La Colline block in Franschhoek. You pick up a lot of minerality and stony crunch on the nose, with impressions of crushed chalk and broken clay, leading to succulent stone fruit and quince flavours on the palate and a delicate hint of frangipane. This is an intense and striking wine that is rightfully held up as one of the most important pieces in the Cape's 'old vine' jigsaw. 13.5% alc. Drink now-2030.

Press review:

Vinous: “The 2020 is blended with 7% Semillon and is essentially an amalgam of Alheit’s vineyards, whole bunch pressed and kept on the lees for 12 months. It has a very different nose to the “Hereafter Here”: more minerality and touches of white tea and broom filtering through the citrus fruit. The palate is very harmonious, spicy and focused, building in the mouth towards the finish with a dab of saffron and stem ginger. Wonderful persistence and just a wine that grabs you, demands attention. This is simply outstanding." Drink now-2040.“ 95 points

Tim Atkin MW: “2020 marks the tenth vintage of Cartology - how Chris Alheit's star has ascended in the last decade - and is an inspirational, eight terroir blend of Chenin Blanc and 7% Semillon. Always more than the sum of its parts, it's a beautifully judged, ageworthy white with aromas of sea salt, straw and blackcurrant leaf and an intense gunflint, dried herb and citrus palate. Long and satisfying. 2023-2030.“ 95 points