Description
‘High Hopes’ is a very approachable red-berried Syrah with a splash of Grenache from dry-farmed Swartland vineyards. The blend may change from year to year but the ethos is always an approachable, lively red. The name is one that was stuck in Lukas’s head for years, and he knew that when the time was right, he’d name a wine after it. When Covid hit, the name took on a whole new meaning, and finally, he had a red blend perfectly poised to bear this moniker. High Hopes is a call for optimism, and the label imparts a sense of adventure and starting something new. Anyone who’s ever fly fished before knows you start the day with really high hopes of catching dinner. Hot air ballooners? Up that high, all you have is hope. This red blend is one that just seems to lift the spirits. The Van Loggerenberg wines are pretty darn good at that.
The grapes were harvested manually and brought into the cellar for spontaneous fermentation in stainless-steel tanks. The Syrah was 100% whole-bunch pressed with daily punch downs, while the Grenache was entirely de-stemmed. The wines remained there for three weeks before pressing and then were sent to concrete and an old foudre (Syrah) and old French oak (Grenache) for 11 months of aging. The wines were then blended and bottled with a small sulfur addition. No fining or filtering.
Tasting Notes
This unassuming red blend carries a deep, savory streak. The nose hints at black pepper, olive, ripe cherry, and blackberry, while the palate delivers the same bold flavors with fresh energy and a satisfying crunch.
The WineMag
96
“W.O. Swartland. 92% Syrah and 8% Grenache Noir (no Cinsault as was the case in previous vintages) – Syrah 100% whole-bunch fermented and aged in 500-litre barrel, Grenache destemmed, barrique. Red berries, flowers, herbs, cured meat and white pepper on the nose. The palate is medium bodied with fresh acidity and tannins that are immaculately managed in their fineness. Succulent fruit on entry and yet the wine pulls tight, the finish dry, with a brine-like quality.”
– Christian Eedes
Tim Atkin MW
94
“High Hopes is Lukas van Loggerenberg’s Côtes du Rhône style Swartland red blend, made with Syrah and 8% Grenache from blue slate and schist soils, respectively. Taut, elegant and spicy, it has aromas of black olive, thyme and brine, very subtle older oak, plenty of acidity and underlying grip and blackberry and pomegranate flavours. 2025-30”
– Tim Atkin MW
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