Lourens Family Howard John 2022 is produced from a blend of 44% Grenache, 28% Cinsault and 28% Syrah, all sourced from the Swartland. 40% fermented with stems; no yeast, acid or enzymes added. Matured for 10 months in old neutral 300- and 500-litre barrels. Unfined and coarse filtration. Bottled at 13%. (Bottle size 750ml)

Nose: Expressive aromatics of red and black berries, orange, olive, lavender and herbs.

Palate: The palate has good fruit concentration, snappy acidity and crunchy tannins.

Finish: Juicy on entry but ends savoury, the different components combining to good effect.

Lourens Family Wines is run by winemaker Franco Lourens. He sources fruit from Stellenbosch, Swartland, and in particular Piekenierskloof for his wines. Franco grew up in Paarl and studied at Elsenburg Agricultural College. He then worked at David Finlayson Wines (where he made his first experimental wines) and later joined Chris Alheit as assistant. He is particularly enamoured with the unique flavours and textures of Cape Verdelho and Grenache Noir, both of which feature heavily in his two blends.