Sam O'Keefe and her new assistant winemaker Adele Botha at their rebuilt winery
"As someone privileged with more than his fair share of rare and expensive Grand Cru Burgundy and First Growths, I can unhesitatingly state that the best of South Africa punches at the same weight...." Neal Martin, Vinous, Nov 2019
The release of Lismore Estate's 2020 vintage marks another amazing turn in winemaker Samantha O'Keefe's story, but this time a much happier and more inspiring one. Just when her wines had found international acclaim, a dramatic fire destroyed the winery, and Sam and her two sons narrowly escaped with their lives. That was in December 2019, but just 20 months on, the winery has been rebuilt and a new vintage has arrived.
WHITE | 2020 | 5 cases | Lismore Estate - Barrel-fermented Sauvignon Blanc | 75cl | £120 per case of 6 | Lismore Estate Barrel-fermented Sauvignon Blanc 2020 / 5 cases / 75cl £120 per case of 6 |
IB | ||||
Tasting Notes"The 2020 Sauvignon Blanc Barrel Fermented was from donated Stellenbosch, Helderberg, Elgin fruit and a little from Greyton (thus WO Western Cape). This was made in a similar style, oxidatively in barrels, at Almenkerk but obviously has a very different terroir expression than the usual Cape South Coast fruit. The fresh, saline, sea-spray-scented bouquet gradually unfurls with aeration in the glass. The palate is well balanced with a grassy, white asparagus and ginger-tinged opening, crisp acidity and a racy but composed finish where you would be hard pressed to detect the barrel ferment, it is so discreet. Superb. 92 points." Neal Martin, Jul '21 |
|||||||||||
RED | 2020 | 5 cases | Lismore Estate - Syrah | 75cl | £160 per case of 6 | Lismore Estate Syrah 2020 / 5 cases / 75cl £160 per case of 6 |
IB | ||||
Tasting NotesA very restrained nose of cassis and hedgerow fruits with classic white pepper, violet and herbs, this is remarkably reminiscent of Cornas or top St-Josephs, cool and classical in style. It should be drinking well on landing and for the medium term, over the next decade. RKL |
|||||||||||
WHITE | 2020 | 2 cases | Lismore Estate - Viognier 'Age of Grace' | 75cl | £105 per case of 6 | Lismore Estate Viognier 'Age of Grace' 2020 / 2 cases / 75cl £105 per case of 6 |
IB | ||||
Tasting NotesThe grapes were picked and whole bunch pressed, slowly extracting the juice at a rate of 550ltrs per ton. The juice was settled for 48 hours and was racked into older, neutral 225 litre Burgundian barrels, and a 600 litre egg shaped tank for fermentation and maturation lasting 10 months. The “egg” component is 10% of the production. Viognier is an aromatic and generous varietal; it benefits from barrel maturation and lees contact with a fuller mouth feel and increased texture. This combined with the firm acid backbone and intense fruit will allow this wine to integrate beautifully and gain further complexity over the next 3-5 years. |
Cookie Notice
COOKIE NOTICE
Find out more about how this website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience.