Van Loggerenberg new releases

Lukas van Loggerenberg describes the 2024 harvest as one of “nonstop action” – high-paced and demanding. A wet winter gave way to a windy growing season, which dried out the top soils and led to accelerated ripening. The result was his smallest crop since launching the label in 2016. Thicker grape skins necessitated shorter macerations, while pHs were the lowest recorded to date. Tasting and notes and ratings as follows:

Geronimo Cinsault 2024
Price: R350
Grapes from a vineyard in Firgrove. 50% whole-bunch fermentation, maturation lasting nine months in older 500-litre barrels. The nose shows dark cherry, floral perfume, a notable but not unwelcome fynbos character and spice. The palate is strikingly pure with lemon-like acidity and powdery tannins, the finish is dry rather than astringent – nice clarity and tension. Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Lötter Cinsault 2024
Price: R700
Grapes from a Franschhoek vineyard planted in 1932 – afflicted by weevils in this vintage so volumes greatly reduced. 100% whole-bunch fermentation, maturation lasting 11 months in older 600-litre barrels. Complex aromatics of strawberry, black cherry, blackcurrant, rose geranium, herbs and spice. Light-bodied with fresh acidity and super-fine, chalky tannins. Intricate and fragile, yet hauntingly persistent. Alc: 13.05%.

CE’s rating: 96/100.

Breton Cabernet Franc 2024
Price: R420
80% of grapes from Lynedoch (destemmed) and 20% from Polkadraai Hills (whole-bunch fermented). Aromatics of pencil shavings, red and black cherries, violets, herbs and crushed leaves. Medium-bodied with vivid acidity and velvety tannins – neither overly stern nor overly plush. A wine of balance and vibrancy. Alc: 13.4%.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

High Hopes 2024
Price: R350
94% Syrah and 8% Grenache Noir – Syrah 100% whole-bunch fermented and matured in a combination of concrete tank and 500-litre barrel, Grenache destemmed, barrique. A touch of reduction precedes notes of dark berries, olive, lavender, fynbos and liquorice. The palate is robust – dense fruit, moderate acidity and sleek tannins. Just a hint of sweetness adds to the plushness. Alc: 14%.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Graft Syrah 2024
Price: R730
Grapes from Polkadraai Hills. 100% whole-bunch fermented. Gorgeous aromatics of red and black berries orange, rose, fynbos and white pepper. The palate is pure and energetic with powdery tannins – this vintage has weight which Polkadraai can sometimes lack a little bit. The wine nevertheless is elegant and poised with a long, insistent finish – very nicely judged. Alc: 13.8%.

CE’s rating: 97/100.

Trust Your Gut Chenin Blanc 2024
Price: R390
40% from a 1978 Paardeberg vineyard, 3)% from a 1981 Polkadraai Hills vineyard and 30% from a 1977 Piekeneirskloof vineyard. The aromatics are compelling without being too exotic – some flinty reduction before pear, citrus, peach, dried mango, fynbos and earth. The palate is concentrated and electric, acidity lending real drive, the finish long and pithy. Detailed, uncompromising – a thrilling interplay of power and precision. Alc: 13.3%.

CE’s rating: 98/100.

Kameraderie Chenin Blanc 2024
Price: R560
Grapes from a 1966 Paardeberg vineyards. Peach, gentle citrus, herbs and leesy complexity on the nose. Broad and textural on the palate with integrated acidity and a gently savoury finish. Appears richer than the stated alcohol of 13.1% suggests – full of this winemaker’s quiet confidence, even so.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

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