2021 Lismore Reserve Syrah: New release
We are so pleased to offer you the 2021 Lismore Estate Reserve Syrah from Sam O'Keefe. If you follow our offers, you will know by now the story of how Sam single-handedly built up her wine estate on the side of a mountain in Greyton, South Africa, teaching herself winemaking along the way, only to see it burn down in December 2019, just when the wines had found international acclaim.
The wine that began all the fuss was the 2018 Reserve Syrah, receiving 97 points from Neal Martin. As well as her home, her winery, her entire 2019 vintage, and some beloved pets, Sam lost around 40% of the Reserve Syrah vines in the fire.
“Even when it [the estate] was burning, I couldn’t believe it – this year of all years. I joked that it wasn’t enough for me to do it once – God wants me to do it twice.”
She set about rebuilding and has since released other acclaimed wines, but this is the first new vintage of the Reserve Syrah. The critics are yet to publish their scores, but we have a limited allocation to offer, shipping from South Africa and due to arrive in the UK this autumn.
Alongside the 2021 Reserve Syrah, we offer some new and current releases from Lismore, including the sought-after 2020 Reserve Chardonnay.
The location of these wines varies, some are ex-UK, others are due to arrive from South Africa with the next shipment. Please email us with your orders and we will let you know their arrival date when we confirm your order.
Read more about Sam's extraordinary journey to becoming one of South Africa's best winemakers in the profile below.
2021 Reserve Syrah due autumn 2023. Please enquire for confirmation re other wines. All offered under bond.
To order, e-mail us at sales@richardkihl.ltd.uk
| 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 |
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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 |
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| WHITE | 2020 | 5 cases | Lismore Estate - Chardonnay | 75cl | £120 per case of 6 | Lismore Estate Chardonnay 2020 / 5 cases / 75cl £120 per case of 6 |
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Tasting NotesThe grapes were picked at optimal ripeness and whole bunch pressed, slowly extracting the juice at a rate of 600ltrs per ton. The juice was cold settled for 48 hours and was racked into 225, 300 and 500 litre older Burgundian barrels for fermentation and 11 months of maturation. 5% new French oak was used in this vintage. Balance is the key to this wine. The oaking represents a viewpoint that the fruit/acid/pH must drive a wine's flavour and not the over-emphasis on highly extracted buttery notes derived from new barrels and 100% Malolactic conversion. Barrel aging gives this wine its luxurious texture. Having only undergone partial Malo (20%), the wine retains its original fruitiness and fresh acidity. These elements combined allow for years of storage and maturation. |
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| RED | 2020 | 5 cases | Lismore Estate - Pinot Noir | 75cl | £160 per case of 6 | Lismore Estate Pinot Noir 2020 / 5 cases / 75cl £160 per case of 6 |
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Tasting Notes70% of the grapes came from Stanford in Walker Bay and 30% from Kaaimansgat in Elandskloof, both in the cool climate region Cape South Coast. The vines are all Burgundian, clone 115. The Stanford vineyard is close to the southernmost tip of Africa and is in one of South Africa’s coolest wine producing regions. The maritime vineyard enjoys a long ripening season, because of the strong cooling winds that are prevalent in the summer. This microclimate is ideal for creating a long hang time, concentrating the flavours in the berries, while retaining natural acidity levels. Kaaimansgat is situated 700m above sea level and its continental climate allows for perfect winter dormancy, and ripens even later than the coastal vineyards. The vines here are planted on decomposed granite soil high in clay content. The grapes were picked at optimal ripeness. 30% whole bunch fermented in large 5000 litre vats with gentle pump-overs twice a day. The process allowed for a long extraction period which lends to the fruit expression and structure of this wine. The free run wine was drained off and the fermented grapes were then pressed in a traditional wooden basket press. The wine was racked into 225, 300 and 500 litre barrels where malolactic fermentation took place and the wine was aged for 10 months with 25% new French oak. |
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| WHITE | 2020 | 3 cases | Lismore Estate - Reserve Chardonnay | 75cl | £190 per case of 6 | Lismore Estate Reserve Chardonnay 2020 / 3 cases / 75cl £190 per case of 6 |
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Tasting Notes"The 2020 Chardonnay Reserve Estate is the only Reserve wine whose fruit survived the wildfire in 2018. It has a glorious bouquet that is Premier Cru Burgundy in quality, featuring wonderful, brilliantly delineated scents of citrus lemon and orange blossom and hints of black currant leaf. The palate is extremely well balanced, displaying wonderful poise allied with impressive concentration. There s real depth and substance on the finish (where others have lacked in this vintage). An outstanding, world-class Chardonnay. 95 points." Neal Martin, Vinous.com, Jul '21 |
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| 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 |
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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 |
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| 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 |
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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. |
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| WHITE | 2021 | Lismore Estate - Barrel-fermented Sauvignon Blanc | 75cl | £104 per case of 6 | Lismore Estate Barrel-fermented Sauvignon Blanc 2021 / / 75cl £104 per case of 6 |
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Tasting Notes"The 2021 Sauvignon Blanc Barrel Fermented comes from Stanford, Elgin and Greyton fruit, is oxidatively handled with 10% skin contact using two concrete eggs. The bouquet is very well definted with that skin contact leanding lovely peach skin and waxy aromas. The palate is well balanced, a texturally satisfying Sauvignon with a very pithy finish. Very distinctive and delicious. Drinking Window 2022-2030. 92 points" Neal Martin, Vinous.com |
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| WHITE | 2021 | 5 cases | Lismore Estate - Chardonnay | 75cl | £120 per case of 6 | Lismore Estate Chardonnay 2021 / 5 cases / 75cl £120 per case of 6 |
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| WHITE | 2021 | 1 case | Lismore Estate - Chenin Blanc | 75cl | £115 per case of 6 | Lismore Estate Chenin Blanc 2021 / 1 case / 75cl £115 per case of 6 |
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Tasting Notes“Sam O'Keefe was given the fruit from this Stanford vineyard in 2020 after the fire at Lismore but liked it so much that she's made it a permanent feature of her range. Fermented in 20% new oak, it's perfumed and stony, with jasmine aromas, some struck match reduction and a tangy, low alcohol finish. 2022-2027. 94 points." Tim Atkin MW------“The 2021 Chenin Blanc comes from fruit that Samanth O’Keefe brought in after the wildfire. It is whole bunch pressed, oxidatively handled and sees 15% new oak. Yellow plum, egg whites and a touch of candle wax unfurls on the nose, very well defined. The palate is well defined with a fine bead of acidity, an elegant “cool” Chenin with a sleep and focused finish. Wonderful. 2022-2036. 92 points." Neal Martin, Vinous |
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| WHITE | 2021 | 5 cases | Lismore Estate - Reserve Chardonnay | 75cl | £190 per case of 6 | Lismore Estate Reserve Chardonnay 2021 / 5 cases / 75cl £190 per case of 6 |
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Tasting Notes"The 2021 Chardonnay Estate Reserve is 100% from Greyton matured for 11 months in 500-litre barrels, 40% new. It has a wonderful bouquet with honeydew melon, apricot blossom and light crushed stone scents that percolate through with time. The palate is very well balanced with tropical hints of passion fruit and guava, but the acidity keeps everything on a tight course, very minerally on the finish. Top class. 94 points." Neal Martin, Aug '22 |
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| WHITE | 2021 | 3 cases | Lismore Estate - Syrah Estate Reserve | 75cl | £280 per case of 6 | Lismore Estate Syrah Estate Reserve 2021 / 3 cases / 75cl £280 per case of 6 |
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Tasting Notes""I'm very happy with 12% alcohol," says Samantha O'Keefe of the small quantities of this late-picked Syrah from Greyton's distinctly cool climate. Featuring 50% whole bunches, it's a taut, refreshing, intensely peppery, sage and oregano-scented style with cranberry and pomegranate fruit, spicy, savoury tannins, deftly handled 32% new wood and a pithy finish. Drink 2024-30. 95 points" Tim Atkin------"The 2021 Syrah Estate Reserve, which comes from the vineyard most damaged by the fire in 2020, is 50% whole bunches and aged in 500 and 700-liter barrels, 25% new. The potent nose of raspberry coulis, blueberry and touches of cough candy, taking its time to settle in the glass and lose it initial exuberance. The palate is medium-bodied with finely chiselled, slightly chalky tannins. Its fresh and vibrant, sapid towards the finish, with a long, Côte-Rôtie-like aftertaste and garrigue notes filtering through with time. This should be afforded a couple of years in bottle and will continue to evolve over the next 15-20 years. Just 12% alcohol, too. Drinking Window 2025-2045. 94 points" Neal Martin, Vinous.com |
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| WHITE | 2021 | 2 cases | Lismore Estate - Viognier 'Age of Grace' | 75cl | £105 per case of 6 | Lismore Estate Viognier 'Age of Grace' 2021 / 2 cases / 75cl £105 per case of 6 |
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Tasting Notes“The 2021 Viognier The Age of Grace comes from Sutherland and bot River, whole bunch pressed with 11 months on the lees using 15% concrete eggs. With pretty white peach and Mirabelle scents on the nose, this takes time to blossom but it never fully lets go. The palace is medium-bodied with a generous dried apricot, mango and spice-box entry, nothing blowsy here with a very focused, almost understated finish. Excellent. 2023-2036. 93+ points." Neal Martin, Vinous------"Sam O'Keefe gets the grapes for this stylish, commercially significant Viognier from Elgin and Bot River, rather than her home base in Greyton. Fermented in 5% new barrels and concrete eggs, it's a suitably graceful, subtle Viognier, with aniseed, pear and apricot skin flavours and tangy supporting acidity. 2022-2027. 92 points." Tim Atkin MW |
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| WHITE | 2021 | 1 case | Lismore Estate - Viognier Estate Reserve | 75cl | £195 per case of 6 | Lismore Estate Viognier Estate Reserve 2021 / 1 case / 75cl £195 per case of 6 |
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Tasting Notes“The 2021 Viognier Estate Reserve comes from vines on grey white shale (new plantings from 2016 were destroyed in the wildfire), so there is just 18-hectares that “soldiered on”. It has a backward nose with lime flower and light waxy scents. This feels very contained, then discrete menthol aromas surface. The palate is rounded in texture with dried apricot and touches of yellow plum; the 2021 is packed full of flavour with a slightly spiced, lemongrass-tinged finish. Superb. 2023-2042. 94 points." Neal Martin (Vinous)------“Made with fruit from vines that mercifully survived the fire of December 2019, this is a wine that will put a smile on the face of anyone who loves the Lismore style. Comfortably the best Viognier in South Africa, it has jasmine and honeysuckle aromas and a palate of quince, pear and tangerine. Subtle, ethereal stuff that ought to frighten a few producers in Condrieu. 2023-2028. 96 points." Tim Atkin MW |
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| WHITE | 2022 | Lismore Estate - Chardonnay Estate Reserve | 75cl | £200 per case of 6 | Lismore Estate Chardonnay Estate Reserve 2022 / / 75cl £200 per case of 6 |
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Tasting Notes"The 2022 Chardonnay Reserve comprises fruit from the Greyton homestead, which is oxidatively handled and fermented for 11 months in 500-liter barrels (25% new). After swirling to address the reduction, it reveals concentrated scents of dried honey, melted candle wax, orange blossom and a touch of grilled walnut. The palate is well-balanced with mineral-infused slightly tropical fruit, quince and hints of guava that merge into a more mineral-driven taut finish. Quite multi-faceted Chardonnay, this will age with style and panache. If that Corton-Charlemagne is a bit over-priced…and it probably is…then you know where to come. Drinking Window 2024-2040. 96 points" Neal Martin, Vinous.com |
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| WHITE | 2022 | Lismore Estate - Cuvée Blanc Reserve | 75cl | £200 per case of 6 | Lismore Estate Cuvée Blanc Reserve 2022 / / 75cl £200 per case of 6 |
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Tasting Notes"Cuvee Blanc Reserve is a new wine, a blend of 90% Roussanne, 5% Viognier and 5% Chardonnay; the Roussanne grafted onto the truns after the fire two years earlier (the roots are from 2016). Whole bunch pressed and raised for 11 months on the lees. It offers yellow plum, jasmine, broom and orange blossom scents, well-defined and demonstrating the same welcome restrain as the Viognier. The well-balanced palate has grapefruit and tangerine on the entry, a silver bead of acidity, and veins of lemongrass embroidered toward the long finish. Very seductive. Superb expression of Roussanne; this comes highly recommended. Drinking Window 2024-2036. 93 points" Neal Martin, Vinous.com |
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| WHITE | 2022 | Lismore Estate - Viognier 'Age of Grace' | 75cl | £104 per case of 6 | Lismore Estate Viognier 'Age of Grace' 2022 / / 75cl £104 per case of 6 |
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Tasting Notes"The 2022 Viognier The Age of Grace comes from five parcels, is oxidatively handled, whole bunch pressed, and 30% raised in concrete egg, spending 11 months on the lees. Intoxicating on the nose, this offers citrus fruit, frangipane, beeswax and orange blossom scents, very perfumed but not as overpowering as this grape variety can be. The palate is well-balanced with yellow fruit, orange rind and nectarine, a silver bead of acidity and wonderful precision on the sustained finish. So Crystalline! A triumph. Drinking Window 2024-2040. 95 points" Neal Martin, Vinous.com |
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| WHITE | 2022 | Lismore Estate - Viognier Estate Reserve | 75cl | £200 per case of 6 | Lismore Estate Viognier Estate Reserve 2022 / / 75cl £200 per case of 6 |
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Tasting Notes"The 2022 Viognier Estate REserve comes from a 0.8-hectare parcel and is oxidatively handled, spending 11 months in 225 and 300-liter oak (20% new). The well-defined and quite mercurial nose is nutty and smoky at first, and then this elemnent floats away and is replaced with dried honey, lanolin, pressed white flower and a little Portuguese pasta de nata. The well-balanced palate has a waxy texture, pithy in style, finely balanced with a taut minerally finish. It may need a tad more length, but otherwise, this is a very fine – cerebral Viognier. Drinking Windown 2024-2036. 93 points" Neal Martin, Vinous.com |
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