Lammershoek
The farm name Lammershoek dates back more than three centuries, linked to survival, or preservation of life in a previously harsh, untamed environment. Lammershoek literally means “lambs’ corner”, and legend has it that ewes sought shelter for their offspring in the forest alongside the farm when they were threatened by the black eagle which abounded here – giant predator birds locally known as the lammervanger (meaning “lamb catcher” in the Afrikaans language).
The original flock of sheep at the centre of the ‘hiding’ legend, was owned by the first registered owner of Lammershoek, Adriaan van Jaarsveld, a Cape Colonial “free burgher” of the early 1700s. Established in 1718, the farm grew over the centuries into a proud enterprise where mixed stock farming has been replaced by specialised wine-growing as a series of owners developed the 180 hectares property into a top wine farm and cellar.
It is today a place of discovery and vinous delight – driven by the visions of co-owner Andreas Abold and wife, Sonja, who immigrated to the Cape from Germany, with the following vision: Maintaining family values and the accompanying intimacy with nature and sustainable farming. All in the spirit of modesty and being down-to-earth and authentic.
Lammershoek’s location, with 60 hectares of vineyards at altitudes of 80 – 300 metres above sea level growing in ideal decomposed granite soils, lends itself to the cultivation of wide ranging grape cultivars that reflect diverse terroir traits. These characteristics have inspired a movement by modern-day winemaking pioneers who strive for optimum soil expression and fruit purity
Lammershoek planted vineyards – the majority being very old bush-vines, like miniature, character-filled trees as opposed to trellised vineyards often resembling rows of hedges. These feature various grape cultivars specifically established according to the different soils and microclimates. All are farmed minimalistically and almost organically, virtually without any irrigation, so that the vines spread their roots deep into the precious soils.
The white cultivars include old bush-vine (non-trellised) Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Viognier and Hárslevelü and Marsanne and the reds, Syrah, Carignan, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Pinotage and Tinta Barocca.
True wine character from the sheltering corner
The farm is part of the wine industry’s Old Vine Project and many of the wines are certified as originating from Heritage Vineyards, with the seal displayed on the bottles to denote Old Bush Vine Vineyards of Lammershoek – some of which were planted as early as 1966.
Chenin Blanc comprises 60% of the white cultivars and Syrah, in turn, 60% of the reds. These are warmer climate cultivars at the core of the Swartland’s award-winning tradition.
Due to very low rainfall in the larger Swartland area, the result is low-yielding vines, which produce small, but intensely flavoured bunches with big tasting juice, coupled with great natural acidity that ensures a well-balanced wine with a touch of minerality. At the same time, the grapes reach phenolic ripeness at a very early stage – all these factors combined allow the creation of wines with minimum intervention and limited use of additives like sulphur or acid, which gives the Swartland a definite edge over other South African wine regions.
Awards
Platter’s Wine Guide 2020
Terravinum Reserve Red 2015 – 4.5 Stars
Terravinum Reserve Chenin Blanc 2015 – 4.5 Stars (Tim Atkin 90 Points)
Terravinum Reserve Chenin Blanc 2016 – 4.5 Stars (Tim Atkin 91 Points)
Terravinum Reserve Chenin Blanc 2017 – 4.5 Stars
Terravinum Reserve Red 2016 – 4.5 Stars (Tim Atkin 91 Points)
Lammershoek’s White Mysteries 2017 – 4.5 Stars (Tim Atkin 94 Points)
Terravinum Reserve White 2015 – 4 Stars (Tim Atkin 90 Points)
Terravinum Reserve White 2016 – 4 Stars (Tim Atkin 91 Points)
Terravinum Reserve Syrah 2016 – 4 Stars
Winemakers Rating
Terravinum Reserve White 2016 – 94 POINTS
Terravinum Reserve Red 2016 – 90 POINTS
Mysteries White 2017 – 92 POINTS
