Tim Atkin 2026 95+ Mixed Case

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. Alc: 13.34%. CE’s rating: 97 | Serious - 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. Alc: 13.8%. CE’s rating: 95 | Distinctive - 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. Alc: 13.1%. CE’s rating: 97 | Luxurious - Winemag.co.za

This single-vineyard Stellenbosch Pinotage is produced from 31-year-old bush vines rooted in shale, Oakleaf and decomposed granite soils. A warm, dry growing season and naturally low yields resulted in grapes of remarkable concentration.

Dense crimson in colour, the wine reveals layers of black and red cherry, plum and raspberry, lifted by rose petals, baking spice and savoury fynbos. The palate is supple and generous, with flavours of cherry kirsch, boysenberry and ripe plum framed by fresh acidity and bold, granular tannins. A subtle herbal note adds complexity before the wine concludes with a long, dry and savoury finish.

Matured for 20 months in French oak barrels—50% new and 50% second fill—this is a concentrated yet composed expression of Pinotage with the structure to age gracefully for 15–20 years from vintage.

For the 2025 Syrah, Trizanne went looking for a new piece of the puzzle.

The Berrio vineyard remains at the heart of the wine, but this vintage sees Strandveld as the second source. The fascinating part is how differently the two vineyards behave. Despite being only a few kilometres apart, Trizanne can pick them as much as three weeks apart. Each brings something different, and that contrast is precisely what she wants in the final wine.

The vineyards sit in the wild, cool landscape of Elim, on soils of shale, gravel and iron-rich ferricrete, known locally as Koffieklip. Once the fruit reaches the cellar, Trizanne keeps her hand light: destemming, spontaneous fermentation in open-top fermenters and minimal intervention throughout.

It's a wine that really shows what Trizanne does so well: finding vineyards with distinct personalities and knowing when to let them do the work.

“Matured for 10 months in barrel, partially new. Aromas of cranberry, black cherry, violets, cured meat and black pepper. Medium bodied, with bright acidity, fine tannins and a gently savoury finish. Intricate and finely judged, it is a study in restraint: perfumed yet not slight, structured yet never aggressive. The fruit has real clarity, the overall sense of balance impressive. 96/100” Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za

Cat’s Cradle has become one of the most loved wines in the Thorne & Daughters range. Over the past few years, John has refined the sourcing, focusing on old Swartland vineyards in the Paardeberg and west of Malmesbury to bring greater depth and character to the wine. The 2025 vintage is particularly successful, combining notes of citrus, stone fruit and wild herbs with a gentle waxy texture and a savoury edge. There is plenty of concentration, but the wine remains fresh and energetic. Generous without being heavy, Cat’s Cradle captures the balance and restraint that define the Thorne & Daughters style.

“Grapes sourced from two Paardeberg vineyards on granite soils and a third site west of Malmesbury on iron. The nose opens with a subtle yeasty note before unfolding into layers of citrus, peach, potpourri, dried hay and herbs. The palate is pure and finely etched, carried by lively acidity and a pithy finish that stops short of austerity. Intricate and detailed, yet equally immediate in its pleasure. 97/100”

Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za

Named after the Red Hot Chilli Peppers song of the same name. From Helderberg fruit close to the coast, this Cabernet Franc is softly handled and matured in older oak. Perfumed and lifted, supported by well-judged acidity and a distinctly Loire-like freshness. Elegant, focused, and quietly structured.

“From a vineyard the lower Helderberg on granitic soils. Matured for nine months in older oak. Red cherry, raspberry, rose, garden herbs and white pepper on the nose. Lovely fruit expression – ripe in the best way, by no means underdone – alongside bright acidity and soft tannins. Immensely pleasurable to drink. Alc: 14%. 94/100”
Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za

Rocking Horse sits at the heart of Thorne & Daughters and the 2024 vintage is one John is especially excited about. A slightly smaller crop brought impressive fruit concentration, while extended time in tank allowed the wine to come together naturally before bottling. Chardonnay plays an increasingly important role in the blend, adding subtle flinty notes and tension. Layered and complex, yet remarkably composed, Rocking Horse combines richness with freshness in a way that makes each glass more compelling than the last.

“Source from sites across the Western Cape. 28% Roussanne, 23% Chenin Blanc, 23% Chardonnay, 19% Semillon, 7% Clairette Blanche. The aromatics are complex and compelling, moving from flinty reduction to beeswax, flowers and herbs, then all manner of fruit – citrus, apple, stone fruit, mango and pineapple. The palate is dense and layered, with punchy acidity and impressive length. A wine of presence, combining poise with texture. 98/100”

Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za

Since its introduction in 2019, Snakes & Ladders has become an essential part of the Thorne & Daughters story. Grown high in the Skurfberg, where cool Atlantic air moderates the dry conditions, the wine offers a very different interpretation of Sauvignon Blanc. Rather than overt green flavours, the focus is on texture, ripeness and complexity. The 2025 vintage shows layers of citrus, tropical fruit and herbs, supported by remarkable freshness and a savoury finish. Inspired by the great white wines of Bordeaux, it is a style that rewards both the table and the cellar.

“Grapes from Citrusdal Mountain. Exotic aromatics of lemon, grapefruit, pineapple and a hint of herbs. Super-concentrated, rich and smooth but equally carries a big acidity, the finish dry. As ever, makes a big impression. 94/100”

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. Alc: 13.8% CE’s rating: 97 | Serious - Winemag.co.za

Single Vineyard and Certified Heritage Vineyard (100% Chenin blanc)
W.O. Stellenbosch
From a single south-east facing slope on weathered granite soils, dryland farmed and planted in 1978. Fermented in a mix of concrete and old foudre. The porous top soils of the Helderberg allowed for early ripening which resulted in a bright fruit profile with a quiet intensity and length, elegant extract and coating acidity with a fine powdery texture on the finish.

“Subtle aromatics of hay, peach and soft citrus while the palate is intense without undue weight, the tangy acidity beautifully integrated. Layers of flavour unfold gradually before a gently savoury finish. To call it stingy would be unfair but it is certainly understated – cerebral rather than hedonistic. 93/100” Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za