The Monument is a tribute to the historic La Colline vineyard in Franschhoek, planted in 1936. This is a field blend of Smillon and Smillon Gris, representing a piece of Cape history that Chris and Suzaan Alheit are determined to preserve. It is a wine of incredible weight and complexity, and arguably the most elusive bottle in their entire stable.

The fruit is whole-cluster pressed and fermented in old barrels before aging on the lees for 18 months. No fining is used, preserving the natural breadth of this ancient site. Only 2,600 bottles were produced for the world in 2022, making it a true rarity.

Aromatically, it is exotic and savory, showing spicy peach and waxy melon. The palate is impressively weighty, offering a broad, creamy texture that finishes with a rocky, mineral edge. This is a rare, world-class Smillon. Given the tiny production, it won’t be on our shelves for long.

99 points
“”The best Semillon site in South Africa” is how Chris Alheit describes Anton and Koos Roux’s 1936 La Colline vineyard”
– Tim Atkin MW (Vinous)