June 26, 2025
Lourens Family Wines - Samll volumes, Big Buzz, Bargain price
Lourens Family Wines
“Franco Lourens, who spent some time working alongside Chris Alheit at Hemelrand in Hemel-en-Aarde and now uses the same facilities in Paarl as Lukas van Loggerenberg, is making some tremendously good wines, with Skuinskap Steen quickly becoming one of the best in the country. Volumes, however, are small so don’t hang about tracking them down" - Christian Eedes, winemag.co.za
Lourens Family Wines has quickly earned a reputation for precision and purity, thanks to Franco Lourens’ thoughtful winemaking and Alheit-trained eye (where he was assistant winemaker). Since launching his own label in 2016, Franco has carved out a reputation for crafting vibrant, site-driven wines that reflect his meticulous vineyard focus and low-intervention winemaking. Sourcing old vines from across the Cape, his wines are textured, nuanced and deeply expressive, offering some of the finest expressions of the Cape’s modern winemaking talent.
The 2021 Howard John is Lourens Family Wines’ flagship red blend—named after Franco’s father—and easily ranks as one of the Cape’s best-value reds. A soulful mix of Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah from granite-rich vineyards in Polkadraai Hills and Piekenierskloof, it delivers Rhône charm with a distinctly South African freshness.
What strikes you first is just how the wine jumps out of the glass at you. Perfumed red berries, floral lift, savoury spice and zesty acidity come together in an elegant, layered, and wonderfully drinkable expression of Franco’s restrained yet vibrant style.
At just 13% alcohol and €25* inc VAT per bottle, it punches far above its weight—ludicrously good for the price and a serious insider’s tip.
Lourens Family Wines Howard John 2021
€25.50* inc NL VAT per bottle
€25* inc NL VAT when when buying a case
95 Points | Christian Eedes
50% Grenache Noir (25% whole-bunch fermented), 30% Cinsault and 20% Syrah (100% whole-bunch fermented), all grapes sourced from the Swartland. Enticing aromatics of red berries, floral perfume, herbs and spice while the palate is wonderfully energetic – pure fruit, really bright acidity and powdery tannins, the finish having a saline quality. This is nicely weighted with an alcohol of 13% – not too slight but still elegant.
93 Points | Vinous, Neal Martin
Undergoing 80% whole cluster ferment and 10 months in used French oak, the 2021 Howard John Red Blend has a well-defined, perfumed bouquet with red berry fruit, Earl Grey, touches of wild fennel and cracked black pepper. The palate is medium-bodied with a fleshy, caressing opening, pure red cherries and crushed strawberry with quite a sweet, ample finish. This is a lovely Rhône blend - very seductive. Drinking Window: 2023 - 2035
93 Points | Tim Atkin MW
Named after Franco Lourens' dad, whose image features on the label, Howard John is a Swartland assemblage of Grenache with 30% Cinsault and 15% Syrah, sourced from a combination of granite and iron-rich clay soils. Fermented with 25% whole clusters, it has some stony reduction, pomegranate and goji berry flavours and sinewy tannins.
*Prices are accurate as of the blog publication date and may be subject to change.