3 x 97 Points from Van Loggerenberg Wines 2025

Included:

Trust Your Gut was created to capture the strengths of the Western Cape in a single white wine. Rather than focusing on one vineyard, Lukas brings together fruit from exceptional old sites across the region, believing that the Cape’s greatest strength lies in its diversity. More than a decade on, it remains the benchmark for his approach to Chenin Blanc and a reflection of what the Western Cape does best.

“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. 96/100″ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za

Named for the friendships that have grown through wine, Kameraderie has become Lukas’ bottle for the wine geeks. Centred on old-vine Chenin Blanc from the Swartland, it’s a wine that celebrates curiosity, conversation and the shared enjoyment of discovering remarkable vineyards.

“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. 97/100″ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za

Geronimo was ‘born from a leap of faith’. At a time when Cinsault was often made in a lighter, sweeter style, Lukas believed the variety was capable of far more. By focusing on structure, purity and longevity, Geronimo has become his expression of what South African Cinsault can be when treated with the same seriousness as the country’s great wines. Geronimo is all about the tannins.

“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. 96/100″ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za

Planted in 1932, the Franschhoek vineyard behind Lötter has become one of the most treasured sites in the Lukas van Loggerenberg range. Inspired by a more Piedmontese style of red wine, the wine comes from vines growing on schist, granite and sandstone soils among plum orchards. Farmed in partnership with the 5th generation of Lötter’s, it is a vineyard everyone takes pride in, making the arrival of the fruit at the cellar one of the highlights of every harvest.

“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. 97/100″ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za

Breton is Lukas’ tribute to Cabernet Franc and the Loire Valley wines that first inspired him. When he first released the wine in 2016, his decision to harvest earlier and pursue freshness over weight challenged conventional thinking. Nearly a decade later, that philosophy has become the defining character of the wine. Rather than chasing power, Breton is a reflection of Lukas’ belief that the finest Cabernet Franc should express energy, precision and freshness.

“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. 95/100″ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za

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. 95/100″ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za

Graft is a wine that begins in the vineyard. Lukas describes knowing the grapes are ready not through analysis alone, but by walking the rows and recognising the smell of perfectly ripe fruit. That instinct comes from years of returning to the same site, understanding its rhythms and trusting what the vineyard reveals. The 2025 vintage is a testament to that relationship.

“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. 97/100″ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za