Lotter, Cinsault, 2022

Name: Lotter, Cinsault
Brand: Lukas Van Loggerenberg
Price: 237.94 GBP

Available Vintages

all 2021 2022 2023

justerini & brooks tasting note

The second vintage of Lotter, a vineyard which Lukas took over from the Mullineuxs. Lötter is South Africa’s second oldest red vineyard, planted in 1932 in Franschhoek. In fact, it is so low-yielding and late-ripening that it occasionally loses its leaves before they have picked the fruit, and yet, it always seems to come good. Stylistically, it is a departure from the glossier Leeu Passant style, and is totemic of Lukas’ pursuit of freshness and agility in wines. Owing to the smaller 2022 crop, ageing took place in three 500L barrels rather than concrete tank. Designated WO Franschhoek. Juicy, vital lively transparent red fruits and fresh herbs, serious and yet not heavy at all, it is intense, long and focussed on the finish. Just 1,600bts were produced.

critic reviews

93/100Neal Martin,Vinous

The 2022 Lotter is pure Cinsault from Franschhoek, aged in 3rd fill French oak for 11 months. "It was a rude awakening for me," remarks Van Loggerenberg. "It was planted in 1932. It was designed for people to drink a piece of history. But we didn't have enough fruit to fill the tank, so we raised it in three barrels, which gave it almost Barbaresco-like tannins. I thought I would have to release it in 2025!" The flamboyant nose has plenty of delineated red fruit, quite ferrous and, yes, a little Tuscan-like in style. The well-balanced palate has fine tannins, quite chalky in texture, with wild strawberry and a touch of bay leaf towards the poised finish. There's Mediterranean flair mixed with South African exoticism here to a winning effect.

DRINKING WINDOW 2025 - 2040

date of review 11/2023