Van Loggerenberg Wines - Merlot "Break A Leg" 2023 (750ml)
Price: $19.99
| Producer | Van Loggerenberg Wines |
| Country | South Africa |
| Varietal | Merlot |
| Vintage | 2023 |
| Sku | 204599 |
| Size | 750ml |
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Van Loggerenberg Wines Description
Teddy Roosevelt once said, “speak softly and carry a big stick…you will go far,” and this sentiment could not better capture the journey of Lukas van Loggerenberg. Lukas didn’t grow up immersed in the world of wine, but he could have fooled us. After graduating from Elsenburg College, he took an unconventional route, working two harvests at a small winery in the Western Connecticut Highlands AVA, far from the famous regions like the Finger Lakes or Long Island. He then returned to South Africa and worked at the modest Druk My Niet Estate in Paarl, laying the foundation for his future in winemaking.
In 2015, Lukas’ life took a pivotal turn during a trip to the Loire Valley with his former college roommate, Reenen Borman (winemaker for Boschkloof). A visit to Domaine de la Chevalerie, where Lukas tasted an old Cabernet Franc in a dimly lit cellar, inspired him to leave his day job and pursue winemaking on his own. Starting with a small, makeshift cellar, Lukas eventually found a permanent home in a space that was formerly shared with his friend Franco Lourens of Lourens Family Wines. Deeply connected to the land, Lukas views himself more as a farmer than a winemaker, and he crafts his wines in the simplest way possible, adding only sulfur dioxide. His approach emphasizes balance and purity, and he’s especially drawn to the unique terroirs of the Western Cape.
Lukas’ wines reflect his philosophy—elegant, with minimal oak and a focus on freshness and texture. Drawing inspiration from the Loire Valley, they are light, aromatic, and mineral-driven. His rise in the wine industry has been swift and impressive, earning him consistent recognition as a Tim Atkin, MW First Growth producer and Tim’s 2018 Young Winemaker of the Year. In 2024, Lukas was honored with membership in the prestigious Cape Winemakers Guild, a distinction awarded to only around 40 winemakers in South Africa. Lukas’ journey, marked by quiet dedication and natural winemaking, has established him as one of South Africa’s most respected and innovative winemakers.
Tasting Note: What a wine! This is a serious little drink. Perhaps better suited to Cabernet drinkers who don’t want to spend Cabernet money. This is balanced and classy, with a black fruit core and notes of mint, cocoa, and tobacco.
Vinous: 87 Points
The 2023 Merlot Break A Leg comprises fruit from DeMorgenzon and the Devon Valley. It has a potent, peppermint-scented bouquet that you're either going to love or hate. Minty and fresh, the palate is ripe and rounded with plummy red fruit. "An ideal pizza wine," remarked Lukas... Nothing wrong with pizza.
