Provenance

Wine Cellar Private Client

Critics Ratings

2015:
‘The 2015 La Colline Vineyard comes from vines planted back in 1936 on the southern slope in Franschhoek Valley. It offers enticing aromas of yellow plum, Jasmine, sea spray and a hint of custard cremes. The palate is very well balanced with nectarine and yellow plum, a fine line of acidity, very succinct and understated, but it comes armed with a long saline finish. Yet more enticing and cerebral fermented grape juice courtesy of Chris Alheit.’ - Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, 93/100 (Apr 2017)

‘From a Franschhoek Semillon bushvine vineyard planted in 1936, mix of white/red-skinned fruit, bunch-pressed and co-fermented in old oak. Hence, 2015 shows more yellow- than red-gold, less overt tannin, but refrains from 2014’s earthy, bruised apple tones, freshness. Unfined, unfiltered: ‘Fear not the sediment’ say Alheits.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2017, 4.5*

‘Previously known as Arrow Heart, this is an assemblage of Semillon with 15% Semillon Gris sourced from a single vineyard and fermented in old wood. It’s a classic, herbal expression of the varieties with dill and coriander notes, a touch of finty struck match and the structure to age. Paler and more focused than the 2014. Drink: 2016-22.’ - Tim Atkin SA Special Report 2016, 95/100

2016:
‘From a Franschhoek vineyard of Semillon and Semillon Gris. On the nose, there’s a note of orange blossom before citrus, yellow apple, peach, dried herbs and hay – lots going on but equally nothing too heady or exaggerated. The palate meanwhile shows extraordinary fruit concentration and great length. Intense without being weighty, it comes across as just about perfectly realised. Profoundly good.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 97/100 (May 2017)

‘Sourced from a south-facing slope at over 320 metres in Franschhoek, this old vine Semillon (with a little Semillon Gris) is one of the best in the Cape. Riper and a little peachier than the 2015, but with the same dill, beeswax and citrus notes, underpinned by just a hint of struck match character. 2018-26’ - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2017, 96/100

‘A tautly coiled, waxy white peach-scented, co-fermented field blend of 81-year-old Semillon Blanc with Semillon Gris. A fine-lined and precise wine that will suit long-term keeping.’ – Nancy Gilchrist MW, Decanter.com, 96/100 (Oct 2017)

2017:
‘Pale-medium gold. Honeyed, ripe and rich, with stone fruit, ripe lemon and some nutty-cinnamon oak. Rounded and rich, with integral cinnamon oak, some greengage fruit and tropical tones. A bit fruit-salady, but quite attractive. Fair length.’ – Tim Jackson MW, JancisRobinson.com, 16/20 (Jan 2019)

‘Under a wax seal, the 2017 La Colline Vineyard is slightly reductive, but once you get the glass spinning, the wine reveals oak aromas of toasted brioche and vanilla seamlessly integrated into the Semillon, along with a waxy pomaceous fruit. This is really thoughtful winemaking here. Flavors of apples and lemons are beautifully balanced by the oak treatment and subtle, fine minerality that combine to extend texture across the mid-palate. If you are a Burgundy lover and looking from something familiar yet different, check this out. It has a delicate yet structured finesse, with a complex power to the mouthfeel and is medium to full-bodied with a long, richly textured finish. Only 182 cases made.’ – Anthony Mueller, Wine Advocate, 94/100 (Oct 2019)

‘The 2017 La Colline Vineyard comes from vines planted in 1936 from original genetic material bought to the Cape in the 1600s. Pure Sémillon Gris, it was matured in fifth-fill barrels. It has a very precise bouquet, perhaps the most mineral-driven of all Chris Alheit’s 2017s, featuring hints of apricot blossom, Turkish delight and a very subtle petrol note. The palate is extremely well balanced, smooth and poised in the mouth, displaying a slight waxy texture and perfect acidity. Veins of ginger and lemongrass appear toward the persistent finish.’ – Neal Martin, Vinous, 95/100 (Aug 2018)

2018:
‘Pale gold. Nutty almond oak notes, with brown spices (Sémillon Gris?). Some reductive tones too. Ripe lemon and lemon curd. Full-bodied, with a rich but distinctly saline and dusty, savoury palate. Salinity supports its freshness. Long, fine and youthful.’ – Tim Jackson MW, JancisRobinson.com, 17/20 (Aug 2021)

‘In the interplanted La Colline vineyard, the majority of Semillon grapes are gold-skinned, but there are also green, pink and gris colours too. Planted in 1936, it is farmed today by Anton Roux, and since 2015 winemaker Chris Alheit has harvested the grapes together, before whole bunch pressing. The 2018 (with 12% Semillon Gris) has a bit more power than its predecessors; Chris says this is because 20% of the crop comes from the shallow soils at the vineyard’s highest point. Aromas of white citrus, hay and ginger blossom, before a more savoury bay leaf edge and the sweetness of orange peel. Deeply concentrated on the palate, the generous mouthfeel displays orange, white peach and apples. The power is reigned in by energetic acidity and the waxy finish is long and complex.’ – Malu Lambert, Decanter.com, 96/100 (May 2020)

‘Everyone that buys grapes from Anton Roux's 1936 Franschhoek Vineyard makes an exceptional wine with them. Combining Semillon and small amounts of Semillon Gris, this is a herbal, waxy, multi-layered delight with notes of camomile and green tea and dense, focused flavours. 2022-28’ - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2019, 96/100

‘From Franschhoek Semillon. As ever, some reduction before white peach, naartjie, red apple and a hint of waxiness on the nose. A bit of a brute on the palate – dense, full and very flavourful with a slight bitter quality to the finish. Lots going on but perhaps slightly less refinement that previous vintages.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 94/100 (Aug 2019)