Lourens Family Wines Howard John Red Blend 2023 Bottle size: 750ml

‘42% Grenache, 29% Cinsault and 29% Syrah, all sourced from Swartland. 40% whole-bunch fermentation. Complex aromatics of red and black berries, fennel, fynbos, olive brine, cured meat and pepper. The palate displays concentrated fruit, lemon-like acidity and fine tannins, the finish deeply savoury. A vintage of sophistication and nuance. Alc: 13.5%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 95/100

‘Howard John - a tribute to Franco Lourens' father, who appears on the label - is a judiciously blended cuvée of Grenache and 29% each of Cinsault and Syrah, all of them sourced from dry-farmed vineyards in the Swartland. Combining concentration with freshness, it's peppery, savoury and spicy with lovely cranberry, pomegranate and black olive flavours. 2024-30’ – Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2024, 93/100

‘The 2023 Red Blend Howard John contains 42% Grenache, 29% Cinsault and 29% Syrah that was matured in neutral oak for ten months. This has an elegant bouquet that unfurls in the glass with a mixture of red and black fruit, rose petal and light Provençal herb scents. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin and gentle grip, developing cranberry, pomegranate and a touch of white pepper toward the finish. This is very nuanced and stylish—another great wine from winemaker Franco Laurens. 2025-2036’ – Neal Martin, Vinous, 92/100