South Africa: New releases

2019 Chenin Blanc 'Trust Your Gut', Lukas van Loggerenberg Dry | White | Still | 13%

Trust your Gut is Lukas’ attempt “to make the perfect western cape Chenin”. In 2019 it’s 73% from the Paardeberg, from next door to Eben Sadie’s farm, which brings texture and tension, and 27% from the granite soils of Stellenbosch’s Polkedraai, which brings intense yellow fruit. The name refers to the importance of the picking date for these grapes: in the 2019 vintage, Lukas has got it spot on. This has lovely green pineapple notes, with loads of savoury elements, plenty of salinity, and a slightly creamy, zesty finish.

Ready: 2022 - 2030

2019 Chenin Blanc 'Kameraderie', Lukas van Loggerenberg Dry | White | Still | 13%

Kamaraderie was the first vineyard he started with - the farmer was best man at Lukas’ wedding. This Chenin Blanc vineyard is situated in Paarl, in the Klein Drakenstein mountains. The vineyard was planted in 1960, and produces a stunning white, that needs time to unfurl. It’s much more savoury, and tightly wound than the relatively opulent Trust Your Gut. Lots of tension on the palate, so textural and intense. There’s a lovely mouthwatering finish, with notes of fresh peach and honeydew melon, as well as thyme. The name refers to the help that Lukas needed in his first vintage, having broken his leg, as well as the sense of togetherness that he thinks defines the wine trade. Sadly there was no Kamaraderie made in 2020.

Ready: 2022 - 2030