Lourens Family Wines new releases
By Christian Eedes, 21 October 2024
Franco Lourens launched his own label wines while working alongside the acclaimed Chris Alheit in 2016, but he’s most definitely reached the point where he should be judged on his own merits, his newly released 2023s again of very high quality. Tasting notes and ratings as follows:
Lindi Carien White Blend 2023
Price: R305
62% Chenin Blanc, 30% Verdelho and 8% Grenache Blanc (five days skin contact). Grapes sourced from across the Western Cape. No Colombar and Palamino as was the case in 2021 and 2022. Stone fruit, lemon, soft citrus, potpourri, ginger and a little yeasty complexity on the nose. The palate is intense but not weighty – good clarity of fruit and snappy acidity before a finish that’s dry, more salty than grippy. Alc: 13%.
CE’s rating: 95/100.
Skuinskap Single Vineyard Chenin Blanc 2023
Price: R465
From a Piekenierskloof vineyard planted on sandstone at 750m above sea level in 1977. The nose shows stone fruit, orange and some waxy character. The palate is powerful – dense fruit, big acidity and finish that has just a touch of quinine-like bitterness. Thick textured in the best sense and super-flavourful. Alc: 14%.
CE’s rating: 94/100.
Lua Ilse Grenache Noir 2023
Price: R370
Grapes from a Piekenierskloof vineyard planted in 2008. 25% whole-bunch fermentation. Attractive aromatics of red berries, pomegranate, rose, herbs and spice. Pure fruit and bright acidity, the tannins lightly grippy. Well-structured, this shows particular agility and finesse. Alc: 14%.
CE’s rating: 94/100.
Howard John Red Blend 2023
Price: R305
42% Grenache, 29% Cinsault and 29% Syrah, all sourced from Swartland. 40% whole-bunch fermentation. Complex aromatics of red and black berries, fennel, fynbos, olive brine, cured meat and pepper. The palate displays concentrated fruit, lemon-like acidity and fine tannins, the finish deeply savoury. A vintage of sophistication and nuance. Alc: 13.5%.
CE’s rating: 95/100.
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