Lourens Family Wines new releases
By Christian Eedes, 12 September 2022
Franco Lourens originally started his own label while working as assistant to Chris Alheit of Alheit Vineyards but since mid-2020 shares cellar space with Lukas van Loggerenberg in Paarl. His compatriots are, of course, highly acclaimed but his wines are now every much as good:
Lindi Carien White Blend 2021
Price: R285
35% Verdelho, 21% Chenin Blanc, 19% Colombar, 18% Grenache Blanc (five days skin contact) and 7% Palomino – sourced variously from Stellenbosch, Swartland and Piekenierskloof. Expressive aromatics of pear, peach and citrus plus floral perfume and hay while the palate has good fruit definition, well integrated acidity and a gently savoury finish, some light phenolic grip adding interest. Subtle and intricate.
CE’s rating: 94/100.
Skuinskap Steen Single Vineyard Chenin Blanc 2021
Price: R430
From a Piekenierskloof vineyard planted in 1977. Matured for 10 months in old 500-litre barrels. Complex aromatics of citrus, quince, peach, hay and dried herbs plus some leesy complexity. The palate is vivid and direct – super-concentrated fruit and punchy acidity, before a finish that is long and dry. Tightly wound and laser-like in its focus.
CE’s rating: 97/100.
Howard John Red Blend 2021
Price: R285
50% Grenache Noir (25% whole-bunch fermented), 30% Cinsault and 20% Syrah (100% whole-bunch fermented), all grapes sourced from the Swartland. Enticing aromatics of red berries, floral perfume, herbs and spice while the palate is wonderfully energetic – pure fruit, really bright acidity and powdery tannins, the finish having a saline quality. This is nicely weighted with an alcohol of 13% – not too slight but still elegant.
CE’s rating: 95/100.
Lua Ilse Grenache Noir 2021
Price: R330
Grapes from a Piekenierskloof approximately 20 years old. Matured for 10 months in older 500-litre barrels. Pomegranate, red and black berries, fynbos, earth and spice on the nose while the palate has a particular harmony about it with good depth of fruit (alcohol: 14%), fresh acidity and fine tannins.
CE’s rating: 95/100.
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