Winemaker Notes
Critical Acclaim
All Vintages
Lomond is situated on the Agulhas Plain near the southernmost tip of Africa at Cape Agulhas where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet, approximately five miles from the fishing village of Gansbaai and within sight of the sea. The maritime climate and ocean breezes ensure that the vineyards are kept cool, resulting in late-ripening intense fruit. The farm’s 18 different soil types produce intriguingly complex wines with flavors that differ markedly from one block to the next.
Besides employing environmentally-focused farming practices, Lomond has also been actively involved in larger conservation efforts. As the first South African wine farm to enter into Conservation Servitude with Fauna and Flora International, Lomond prioritizes the long-term preservation of the critically endangered Elim Ferricrete Fynbos and Overberg Sandstone Fynbos plants which grow on its slopes.
This unique combination of geography, climate and attention to conservation creates elegant, complex wines with texture and depth which allows the true identity of the fruit source to be portrayed.
With an important wine renaissance in full swing, impressive red and white bargains abound in South Africa. The country has a particularly long and rich history with winemaking, especially considering its status as part of the “New World.” In the mid-17th century, the lusciously sweet dessert wines of Constantia were highly prized by the European aristocracy. Since then, the South African wine industry has experienced some setbacks due to the phylloxera infestation of the late 1800s and political difficulties throughout the following century.
Today, however, South Africa is increasingly responsible for high-demand, high-quality wines—a blessing to put the country back on the international wine map. Wine production is mainly situated around Cape Town, where the climate is generally warm to hot. But the Benguela Current from Antarctica provides brisk ocean breezes necessary for steady ripening of grapes. Similarly, cooler, high-elevation vineyard sites throughout South Africa offer similar, favorable growing conditions.
South Africa’s wine zones are divided into region, then smaller districts and finally wards, but the country’s wine styles are differentiated more by grape variety than by region. Pinotage, a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault, is the country’s “signature” grape, responsible for red-fruit-driven, spicy, earthy reds. When Pinotage is blended with other red varieties, like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah or Pinot Noir (all commonly vinified alone as well), it is often labeled as a “Cape Blend.” Chenin Blanc (locally known as “Steen”) dominates white wine production, with Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc following close behind.
Capable of a vast array of styles, Sauvignon Blanc is a crisp, refreshing variety that equally reflects both terroir and varietal character. Though it can vary depending on where it is grown, a couple of commonalities always exist—namely, zesty acidity and intense aromatics. This variety is of French provenance. Somm Secret—Along with Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc is a proud parent of Cabernet Sauvignon. That green bell pepper aroma that all three varieties share is no coincidence—it comes from a high concentration of pyrazines (herbaceous aromatic compounds) inherent to each member of the family.