Lourens Family Wines new releases

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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