This 2023 might be the best tasting vintage yet. Pears, caramel, pastry and lots of nutty notes, even leaning towards something a little oxidative and oh so intriguing. There’s beeswax too, which carries through to the the palate which is enlivened by reams of citrus, spice, white flowers and a sour lemon bonbon note. Superb length and lots of energy to finish.

#Tasting#

Franco Lourens spent some years working with the great Chris Alheit before setting to focus entirely on his own range of wines. This is a breathtakingly self-assured range and in just a few vintages, places Franco into the very top bracket of top-end New Wave SA producers. Whilst still extremely modest, he isinevitably set to join the likes of Chris Alheit, Eben Sadie, Adi Badenhorst, Duncan Savageet aliain the shimmering constellation of New Wave South African stars. Sharing cellar space with good friend Lukas Van Loggerenberg, Franco works with a variety of sites across the Western Cape including the country’s oldest Verdelho vineyard, and two exceptional sites in Piekenierskloof.