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Van Loggerenberg Wines

2024

‘High Hopes’

Red Blend   |   Swartland - South Africa
Shelf Talker Spec Sheet Wine Label Bottle Image

About

‘High Hopes’ is a very approachable red-berried Syrah with a splash of Grenache from dry-farmed Swartland vineyards. The name is one that was stuck in Lukas’s head for years, and he knew that when the time was right, he’d name a wine after it. When Covid hit, the name took on a whole new meaning, and finally, he had a red blend perfectly poised to bear this moniker. High Hopes is a call for optimism, and the label imparts a sense of adventure and starting something new. What is unique to this wine that most South African Syrahs lack is the blue slate/schist soil type.  What sets the iconic Porseleinberg Syrah apart from the incredible granitic Syrahs of other parts of the Swartland and Stellenbosch is that blue slate.  It appears in the Syrah component here and shows in a pretty violet floral aroma and more concentrated flavors at lower alcohols, also the tannin structure is less granular than granite but more velvety.

The grapes were hand-harvested and brought into the cellar for spontaneous fermentation in stainless-steel tanks with all bunches left intact.  A bit of hand-plunging for a gentle extraction was done and after nearly three weeks on skins the wine was pressed to equal parts concrete and a three old 500L French demi-muid for aging.  After 11 months with zero additions the lots were racked to tank to settle naturally without fining and bottled without filtration and just a small addition of sulfur.

 

Stats

  • Grapes: 94% Syrah - 6% Grenache
  • Vineyard: Ongegund (Syrah) - Fairview (Grenache)
  • Vine Age: 17-years old (Syrah) - 28-years-old (Grenache)
  • Soil Type: Blue slate/schist (Syrah) - Iron-rich shale (Grenache)
  • Viticulture: Practicing organic & dry-farmed
  • Fermentation: Native — Stainless-steel (100% whole-cluster)
  • Skin Contact: 17 days
  • Aging: 11 months in 50% concrete and 50% neutral 500L French oak demi-muid
  • Alcohol: 14%
  • pH: 3.53
  • Total Acidity: 5.5 g/L
  • Total SO2: 78 ppm
  • Total Production: 375 cases
  • UPC: 0658325899153
  • SRP: $39.99

Tasting Note

This is a wine that is defined by delineation and amplification. Whole-cluster fermented lens a wild, savory heartbeat to layers of blackberry, Damson plum, black cherry, cracked pepper, Kalamata olive, with a light herbal tinge, while the palate walks a beautiful line between density and lift. There is plenty of dark fruit here, but it is the wine’s energy—its lightly saline edge, fine tannins, and mouthwatering freshness—that keeps drawing you back. It feels less like something crafted than something that has always existed, carrying the definitive hallmark of the Swartland and the unmistakable common thread of the unique blue slate soil.

Press & Reviews

The WineMag

93

"94% Syrah and 6% Grenache Noir – Syrah 100% whole-bunch fermented and matured in a combination of concrete tank and 500-litre barrel, Grenache destemmed, barrique. A touch of reduction precedes notes of dark berries, olive, lavender, fynbos and liquorice. The palate is robust – dense fruit, moderate acidity and sleek tannins. Just a hint of sweetness adds to the plushness."

- Christian Eedes

Tim Atkin MW

94

"For the second year in a row, High Hopes has no Cinsault, combining Syrah and 6%
Grenache instead. Fermented with 100% whole clusters, it's a serious Swartland cuvée
that has brooding density and concentration, Cornas-like flavours of damson, blackberry,
liquorice and steak tartare and a waft of fynbos. 2027-34"

- Tim Atkin MW

Vinous

96

"The 2024 High Hope is 94% Syrah and 6% Grenache Noir, planted on schist soils, cropped at 6 tons per hectare using 100% whole bunch, aged in used oak. It has a delectable nose with vivacious blackberry fruit tinged with Kalamata olives, precise and focused. The palate is medium-bodied with chiseled tannins, a killer line of acidity vibrant and fresh with a sapid finish. Laser-like focus... this might surpass the brilliant '23. Stunning."

- Neal Martin
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Producer


Van Loggerenberg Wines

Region


Swartland

Country


South Africa

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