The 2025 Van Loggerenberg wines are some of the most compelling releases yet. Lukas can’t contain his excitement about this vintage, noting that the ‘clarity and precision on offer are unbelievable’.
He believes that the Paardeberg is the mecca of Chenin Blanc, and his Kameraderie 2025 is from two vineyards planted here in the 1960s. It’s all about delicacy – emphasising detail and freshness over weight. The wine is initially slow to unfurl, then opens to lemon and lime, gorgeous white florals and fennel flower. On the palate it’s more inward and focused, with softer citrus, layers of flavour and drive.
His distinctive Graft Syrah 2025 hails from the celebrated Stellenbosch Polkadraai Hills and carries that hallmark olive tapenade, violet and peppercorn complexity that’s seen in many of SA’s greatest Syrahs. The fruit is bright and the tannins pinpoint, and it will only improve with time. If you love Syrah, you should be drinking this.
The Trust Your Gut Chenin Blanc 2025 comes from old vineyards in Polkadraai, Paardeberg and Piekenierskloof. The power and fruit density are outstanding yet the wine remains saline, flavourful and poised. ‘Beautifully judged and without blemish’, agrees Eedes. It’s one of the most exciting introductions to serious Chenin Blanc.
The Geronimo 2025 is ‘entirely seductive’ and ‘remarkably complete’ (Christian Eedes). This Cinsault sees 60% whole-bunch fermentation, which adds a smoky character and herbaceous complexity. ‘It is like biting into a juicy pomegranate,’ says Lukas. Vivid, floral and mouthwatering with chalky tannins, it will reward those who wait 3-5 years.
The Lötter Cinsault 2025 is one of the most detailed Van Loggerenberg wines. From a vineyard in Franschhoek planted in 1932, it sees 100% whole bunch during fermentation and is almost Nebbiolo-like in its perfume and tannin, with Negroni-esque orange spice, inward fruit and a textured palate. Serve it blind to fine-wine-loving friends and watch their reaction.
The Breton Cabernet Franc 2025 combines fruit from Danie Carinus and Pierre Winshaw. This is Lukas’ love letter to Cabernet Franc and his favourite wine of the range. Easily one of the top 3 expressions of the variety in the country, it’s wonderfully herbaceous, with crunchy blue and black fruit, pencil shavings, graphite and Italian herbs.
The High Hopes Syrah 2025 is a special wine and the only Swartland red in the range. It’s grown on blue schist rather than granite and is effortlessly polished. Expect savoury olive tapenade, a velvety mouthfeel, and tannins that build gracefully through the finish.
Tasting Notes:
Van Loggerenberg Wines Kameraderie Chenin Blanc 2025
‘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%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 97/100 | Luxurious
Van Loggerenberg Wines Graft Syrah 2025
‘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%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 97/100 | Serious
Van Loggerenberg Wines Trust your Gut Chenin Blanc 2025
‘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%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 96/100 | Classic
Van Loggerenberg Wines Geronimo Cinsaut 2025
‘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%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 96/100 | Delicious
Van Loggerenberg Wines Lötter Cinsaut 2025
‘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%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 97/100 | Serious
Van Loggerenberg Wines Breton Cabernet Franc 2025
‘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%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 95/100 | Serious
Van Loggerenberg Wines High Hopes Syrah 2025
‘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%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 95/100 | Distinctive
