Lourens Family Wines 'Lindi Carien' Stellenbosch 2022

Description

Franco Lourens spent some years working with the great Chris Alheit before setting to focus entirely on his own range of wines. This is a breathtakingly self-assured range and in just a few vintages, places Franco into the very top bracket of top-end New Wave SA producers. Whilst still extremely modest, he is inevitably set to join the likes of Chris Alheit, Eben Sadie, Adi Badenhorst, Duncan Savage et alia in the shimmering constellation of New Wave South African stars. Sharing cellar space with good friend Lukas Van Loggerenberg, Franco works with a variety of sites across the Western Cape including the country's oldest Verdelho vineyard, and two exceptional sites in Piekenierskloof.

Pears, caramel, pastry and lots of nutty notes, even leaning towards something a little oxidative and oh so intriguing. There's beeswax too, which carries through to the the palate which is enlivened by reams of citrus, spice, white flowers and a sour lemon bonbon note. Superb length and lots of energy to finish.

A beautifully complex wine from Franco Lourens with plenty of opulence and allure ... The nose is ripe and expressive, slightly lactic and creamy, brimming with exotic yellow pastille, tinned pineapple, vanilla pod spice and rock candy notes. The palate has laser-like freshness and crisp, polished precision. Texturally very fine and focused with wound spring tension, underpinned by bristling acids and a tart pineapple and white citrus vivacity.