Discover the breathtaking majesty of Alheit Vineyards Magnetic North 2025, a legendary single-origin Chenin Blanc from the mountain wilderness of the Citrusdal Mountain ward. Renowned winemakers Chris and Suzaan Alheit craft this spectacular, highly allocated cult wine. Critics regularly shower this icon with perfect praise. The previous 2024 vintage secured a flawless 100-point score from critic Tim Atkin MW, while older releases consistently earn near-perfect 98-to-99-point accolades. The newly released 2025 vintage stands tall as an absolute masterpiece of power and finesse.
The 2025 Vintage Profile
Magnetic North originates from two unique, dry-farmed and ungrafted (own-rooted) bush vine blocks planted in 1981 and 1984. These rare vines thrive at an elevation of 520 meters on red, iron-rich sandy soils over a deep clay stratum. The 2025 growing season coaxes a hauntingly beautiful, majestic expression from this isolated ridge. The nose delivers an unforgettable bouquet of fresh pear, pomelo citrus, and wild mountain herbs. On the palate, the wine balances incredible driving power with precise, laser-like focus.
Tasting Notes
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Aroma: A vivid, haunting nose unfurls with beautiful layers of crisp pear, aromatic pomelo, and subtle crushed gravel minerality.
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Palate: The entry is grand and wonderfully poised. It presents a deep, wide landscape of intense white fruit, surging electric energy, and a long finish.
Artisanal Vinification & Ageing
The winery team hand-sorts the tiny crop before executing a gentle whole-bunch pressing. They keep the raw juice very cloudy and allow it to settle lightly without any unnatural additions. Wild fermentation takes place spontaneously inside one neutral wooden foudre and one concrete egg. The natural fermentation finishes smoothly over one month. The wine matures on its fermentation lees for 12 months before resting in tank on fine lees for an additional five months. The estate bottles this pure mountain expression completely unfined and unfiltered.
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