Lourensford Wines: South Africa's Western Cape
Impressive Late Harvest Semillon, Viognier From South African Estate
The Lourensford Estate is steeped in history as it was established as far back as 1700. During this time it was part of the admired property of Vergelegen. However, it wasn’t until Dr. Cristo Weise, a leading South African entrepreneur, purchased the land in 1998 that Lourensford as we know it today was born.
Building the Estate
As any winemaker will attest to, the best wines are grown in the vineyards and therefore it was crucial that the viticulturists at Lourensford undertake great lengths to ensure the right grape variety was planted in the most effective ground. They conducted broad tests of the soils as different varieties thrive in specific environments, and finally they decided on the ideal situation of slope, aspect, soil and micro-climate to suit their grapes.
In 2000, once these studies were complete, the first 70 hectares of vines were planted and now there are as many as 300 hectares under vine, making Lourensford one of the fastest-growing and largest wine estates in the area. The winery was built in 2002 and the following year saw the production of the first wines under the Lourensford label. To guarantee the finest wines from this large area, the vineyards have been divided into 50 hectare blocks, each one with its own individual manager whose responsibility it is to cultivate the vines to produce the top grapes for vinification.
The Wines of Lourensford
The vineyards are planted with several grape varieties, but the main red ones are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz, with smaller amounts of Mouvedre, Pinotage and Cabernet Franc; while the important whites are Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Chardonnay and Semillon.
There are four levels of wines in the range and all of them offer quality and the true expression of the excellence that comes from the South African terroir. The River Garden series consists of a Sauvignon Blanc and a Cabernet Sauvignon / Merlot blend, both of which are perfect for everyday drinking and are fantastic value for money. The Five Heirs wines are all elegant and complex and well-suited for enjoying with food. These wines have obvious characteristics of New World style, but also boast an underlying Old World finesse. The range includes a Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Chardonnay / Viognier, Merlot, Shiraz and Shiraz / Mouvedre.
The Lourensford Estate wines are two extremely unusual, but decidedly impressive. They are a Late Harvest Semillon, a dessert wine, and a Viognier, both of which are expressive of the region and showcase the sophistication of Lourensford. At the height of the collection is a stunning blend named after the year the estate was founded, 1700. This is a rich, velvety, balanced combination of mainly Cabernet Sauvignon with Shiraz and Merlot. A stellar wine, 1700, is best enjoyed with a fine steak and the best of friends.
More than Wine
In addition to making remarkable wines, Lourensford also grows plums, apples and pears; cultivates trout for their fly-fishing club, and runs a humble cheesery which produces some of the finest farmhouse cheeses in the area. A destination surely worth visiting!
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