Van Loggerenberg new releases

Van Loggerenberg Wines marks its 10th vintage with the release of its 2025s, and proprietor Lukas van Loggerenberg is not holding back his enthusiasm. “I hope our children continue what we do and one day get to witness such a vintage,” he says. “There was no rush to pick, and the resulting wines are defined by purity and clarity.”

Trust Your Gut Chenin Blanc 2025
Price: R420
40% from a Paardeberg vineyard planted in 1967, 40% from a Piekenierskloof vineyard planted in 1977 and 20% from a Polkadraai Hills vineyard planted in 1981.  Matured for 10 months in third-fill 500-litre barrels. Expressive aromatics of pear, peach, lime, lemon, floral perfume and herbs. Excellent clarity and energy, the finish long and pithy. Beautifully judged and without blemish. Accessible without being obvious. Alc: 13.4%.

CE’s rating: 96 | Classic

Kameraderie Chenin Blanc 2025
Price: R595
From Paardeberg, 85% from vineyard planted in 1966 (Lammershoek) and 15% from a vineyard planted in 1967, the former fermented and matured in concrete tank, the latter in old oak. Quince, citrus, peach, potpourri, herbs and a little leesy complexity. The palate is powerful yet impeccably proportioned, with dense fruit counterbalanced by punchy acidity before an intensely savoury finish of remarkable persistence. Substantial yet elegant, combining concentration and poise to compelling effect. Alc: 13.1%.

CE’s rating: 97 | Luxurious

Geronimo Cinsault 2025
Price: R370
From Rustenhof farm in Firgrove, Stellenbosch. 60% whole-bunch fermentation. 60% matured for nine months in barrel, 40% in concrete. Aromatics of cranberry, orange, pomegranate, rose, herbs and white pepper. The palate is entirely seductive with lovely fruit expression, snappy acidity and powdery tannins. Pretty without ever seeming frivolous, it is succulent, vivid and remarkably complete. Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 96 | Delcious

Lötter Cinsault 2025
Price: R700
From a Franschhoek vineyard planted in 1932. 100% whole-bunch fermented. Matured for 10 months in third-fill 500-litre barrels. Cranberry, cherry, plum, a hint of menthol, floral perfume and fresh herbs on the nose. Concentrated fruit, lively acidity and tightly knit tannins, that manage to be fine yet grippy, the finish long and bone-dry. Great clarity, weight and drive – very precise in its geometry. Alc: 13.34%.

CE’s rating: 97 | Serious

Breton Cabernet Franc 2025
Price: R450
Sourced from two Stellenbosch sites, with 75% from the Eersterivier property farmed by the Winshaws and 25% from Danie Carinus’s Polkadraai Hills vineyard, the latter portion whole-bunch fermented. Matured for 11 months, with 60% in barrel and 40% in concrete. Red and black berries, fresh herbs, violets and tea leaf on the nose. The palate is medium-bodied with bright acidity and fine, chalky tannins, finishing with pleasing austerity. Super-elegant, stylish and restrained. Alc: 13.8%.

CE’s rating: 95 | Distinctive

High Hopes Syrah 2025
Price: R390
From a Swartland vineyard on schist. 100% whole-bunch fermented. Matured for 10 months in older oak. Cranberry, raspberry, floral perfume, herbs and white pepper on the nose. Good fruit density, no shortage of freshness, and tightly knit, fine, mouthcoating tannins. There’s an intriguing contrast between the pretty aromatics and the wine’s power and structure on the palate. Alc: 13.8%.

CE’s rating: 95 | Distinctive

Graft Syrah 2025
Price: R700
From Polkadraai Hills. 100% whole-bunch fermented. 60% matured for 10 months in concrete, 40% in barrel, of which 10% was new. Gorgeous aromatics of red and black berries, lavender and rosemary. Great fruit purity, lively acidity and fine, supple tannins. Deftly made, polished rather than glossy, its refinement never coming at the expense of site expression. Alc: 13.8%.

CE’s rating: 97 | Serious

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