This was the second wine that Franco ever produced and, in 2016, he took the profit of the sales of the wine to buy an engagement ring for the woman who is now his wife, Lindi Carien. Her adoring face features on the label as a reminder for Franco of the love and dedication they have for one another. The sites and grapes for this wine change each year. The 2023 vintage is a blend of just three whites: 62% Chenin Blanc, 30% Verdelho, and 8% Grenache Blanc.
Tasting Notes: Bright and stony with just enough flesh. Ripe peach, citrus peel, and a whisper of smoke unfurl on the nose. It’s creamy on the palate but snaps into focus with clean acid and a salty finish. A little spice and grip keep it grounded. Complexity, balance, and vibrant fruit, featuring notes of stone fruit, citrus, quince, fynbos, and a saline finish, with critics highlighting its intensity, texture, and aging potential, making it a standout vintage
“Using components from Piekenierskloof, Stellenbosch and the Swartland, this is a stylish cuvée of Chenin Blanc, 30% Verdelho and 8% Grenache Blanc that showcases Franco Lourens’ skills as a blender. Stony and scented with notes of fynbos and petrichor, a hint of skin tannin quince, citrus and greengage. A delight. 2024-30” Tim Atkin MW 95
62% Chenin Blanc, 30% Verdelho and 8% Grenache Blanc (five days skin contact). Grapes sourced from across the Western Cape. No Colombar and Palamino as was the case in 2021 and 2022. Stone fruit, lemon, soft citrus, potpourri, ginger and a little yeasty complexity on the nose. The palate is intense but not weighty – good clarity of fruit and snappy acidity before a finish that’s dry, more salty than grippy. Alc: 13%. CE’s rating: 95/100.
