Van Loggerenberg Kameraderie Chenin Blanc 2016
By Christian Eedes, 2 December 2016
5
Lukas van Loggerenberg gave up his job as winemaker at Paarl winery Druk-My-Niet to go it alone, his first wines from the 2016 vintage, the name of his Cinsaut being “Geronimo” reflecting the leap of faith which was necessary. Tasting notes and ratings as follows:
Van Loggerenberg Break-a-Leg Blanc de Noir 2016
Price: R110
From Stellenbosch Cinsaut. Four hours of skin contact, six months in old oak. Far more substantial than the pale pink colour suggests. An intriguing and somewhat curious nose of grape fruit and earth, while the palate shows more predictable notes of wild strawberry and spice. Good palate weight offset by bright acidity.
#WinemagRating: 88/100.
Van Loggerenberg Kameraderie Chenin Blanc 2016
Price: R325
From a 1960 Paarl vineyard, the 2016 harvest providing 1.7 tons off 2ha. Fermented and matured for 10 months in second- and third-fill oak.
An utterly compelling nose of pear, peach and exotic citrus (tangerine and kumquat) plus honeysuckle and fynbos and even a little bee’s wax. The palate truly has a weightless intensity about it, possessing presence more than heaviness while being lithe and supple. So complex, so complete.
#WinemagRating: 96/100.
Van Loggerenberg Geronimo Cinsaut 2016
Price: TBC
From Stellenbosch vineyards some 30 years of age. 80% whole bunch fermented, matured for seven months in older oak. An expressive nose displaying cherries, plums, herbs and spice plus a little earthiness. Medium rather than light in body with lovely fruit expression, fresh acidity and fine tannins, the finish long and dry. A fascinating wine – takes you all over the place from Burgundy to the Rhône and back to Stellenbosch. Abv 13.3%.
#WinemagRating: 93/100.
Van Loggerenberg Breton Cabernet Franc 2016
Price: TBC
From Stellenbosch vineyards. 100% whole bunch fermentation. Matured for seven months in third fill barrels. Aromatics of red and black fruit plus violets, rosemary and thyme – strong and enticing. The palate is light and fresh with wonderfully fine tannins, none too aggressive or stalky. Pure with a nervous energy about it, the acidity perhaps a touch spiky. Abv 12.5%
#WinemagRating: 92/100.
Bernard De Boer | 21 December 2016
Hi guys
Where can one get these bad boys (if at all)
Christian | 23 December 2016
Wine Cellar still has stock of the Cinsaut – see above…
David Clarke | 3 December 2016
Ha!
David Clarke | 3 December 2016
Tasted them later the same day – think you have under-estimated the Breton – Cab Franc. But then again I am a complete sucker for the Loire-ish vibe he is pushing with it. 🙂
Christian | 3 December 2016
The Breton is super-geeky. Trucker-cap-wearing hipsters will definitely dig it.