If Trust Your Gut is Lukas’ white expression of the Western Cape, High Hopes is its red counterpart. Produced as 100% Syrah for the first time in 2025, it was created to showcase the remarkable potential of South African red wines and Lukas’ belief that the country’s finest wines deserve a place on the world stage. The name reflects exactly that: high hopes for the future of South African wine.
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 – Winemag.co.za
