The 2019 Cartology was whole-bunch-pressed and matured in cement eggs, amphorae, foudres and used barrels, fermented for between three weeks and 11 months, and kept on the lees for 12 months. It has a sublime and utterly captivating bouquet of honeysuckle, white peach and flecks of white chocolate and orange peel, all beautifully defined. The palate is medium-bodied with a crisp entry, offering vivid scents of citrus peel, lime, orange zest and stem ginger toward a finish that fans out with brio. Another outstanding Cartology from Chris Alheit.

This year, Chris Alheit had a delightful little surprise in store for me with a vertical of Cartology from 2022 to 2018. Currently brighter and more expressive than the 2018 vintage, the 2019 Cartology Bush Vines explodes with bright aromas of lemon skin with seductive hints of flinty reduction. Medium-bodied and with a squeaky-clean palate, the mouthfeel is mineral driven with energetic acidity, showing surprising breadth and depth. Lemon skin and almond flavors swirl over the long, spicy, mineral-driven finish that has me craving fresh shellfish. Nicely done!