Graft, Syrah, 2022
A Syrah from one of the Cape’s most exciting sites. Situated in the Karibib Farm in the Polkadraai Hills, Graft is a steep fillet across the top of the mountain, completely exposed to the wind. Over the past few years, yields have been gradually growing as Lukas and others have worked to restore vine health since taking over. A relatively good crop in 2022 enabled a portion to go in to concrete 70%, and 30% in to third fill French oak with 100% whole bunch. Quite a departure from previous vintages but evidence that Lukas works to adapt to the conditions of the year. Pigeage is completely by hand and very gentle. There is proper concentration here, a real Grand Vin, it is stylish, violet-perfumed with snap and crackling spice and amazing persistence. Stunning.
critic reviews
The 2022 Graft is pure Syrah from Polkadraai Hills that is matured two-thirds in concrete, the remainder in second-fill barrels. "It's the easiest wine I make because of the quality of the vineyard," Van Loggerenberg mentions. It has a stunning crushed violet petal, mineral-driven bouquet that effortlessly subsumes the 100% whole bunch. The palate is supremely well-balanced and tensile, with touches of pink peppercorn and brine infusing the black fruit, leading to another, almost Cornas-like, pliant finish. This might be the finest wine that I have tasted from Lukas Van Loggerenberg (so far).