Standard - 75cl
ETA: 5-7 weeks
ETA: 5-7 weeks
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.
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.
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.