South Africa: New releases

Breton is the old Loire name for Cabernet Franc, which are some of Lukas’ favourite wines. This comes from the farm on the Polkedraai where Lukas lives, and is, in his words, “a glass of wine you want to smell the tension on”. This is a baby, but has impressive potential. Lots of graphite and wild berries, and blueberries in particular. There’s lovely energy here: it’s very Loire-like. It will require a few years in bottle: with that, it will be a truly glorious glass of red wine.

For Lukas, a good glass of Cinsault should be like jumping into weightlessness, shouting Geronimo. This comes from 40+ year old vines on the Helderberg, and as a one-off some vines from Bot Rivier. It’s a charming red, incredibly delicate in colour, but with the stuffing to last a few years. Notes of wild strawberries and glâcé cherries, with a herbal lift, too. Amazing length and tension: it’s one of the Cape’s best Cinsaults.

Also from the Polkedraai comes Graft, a single vineyard Syrah from the highest vineyard in the area, from which you can see False Bay, that’s shared with Reenen. It’s Hermitage in style and substance, with incredible length. And Lukas’ attention to detail is shown by the fact that he spent three years securing the barrels for this, talking to dozens of Rhône winemakers in the process. In 2019 this is beautiful. There’s a touch of tapenade, but also lots of pure fruit character, and the floral nose that you’d expect from Polkedraai Syrah.It’s a beautifully balanced wine.