THYS LOUW has positioned The Journal Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage and Sauvignon Blanc as the top tier from the family’s farm in the northern reaches of Durbanville. The proprietor of Diemersdal Estate, Thys is the sixth generation of Louws to make wine on the property since they acquired it in 1885 and he’s made it his mission to record in The Journal the ultimate expressions of their ‘terroir’.

A range previously sold under the MM Louw label, The Journal comprises single-vartietal reds and a white, and what a start for the new livery! The 2018 Pinotage, a finalist in the 2020 Absa Top 10 competition, as well as the 2019 Sauvignon Blanc have already sold out ex-cellar. But not so the 2018 Cab, one of South Africa’s best according to Winemag’s 2020 Prescient Report for which there were were 100 submissions on the tasting bench. “To be adjudged one of the Top 10 performers out of such a classy line-up of entrants – including the big Cabernet guns from Stellenbosch – is a real honour,” said Louw.

The Winemag accolade follows ‘Highly Recommended’ 4½ Star ratings in Platter’s SA Wine Guide for the 2017 and 2015 vintages of MM Louw Cab, the latter having also won gold at the International Wine Challenge (UK).

Diemersdal Journal Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
WO Durbanville. Dryland vineyards 17 to 28 years old, trellised. Tight bunches of small grapes. Fermented in wooden, open-top fermenters for five to seven days, with spontaneous malolactic fermentation in tanks. Matured in 225L French oak barrels (100% new) for 22 months. 2500 bottles.
Alc 14.4 | RS 2.8 | TA 6.0 | pH 3.5
Winemakers’ Tasting Notes: Cedar and cigar box flavours with hints of spiciness. Blackcurant on the palate, with firm, ripe tannins and a delicate finish.
Food Sugestion: roast lamb with fresh garden vegetables.
Cellar-door Price: R320pb.