Lismore Chardonnay, Cape South Coast

Producer Note

Californian Samantha O'Keefe has found paradise and the perfect terroir. Tucked into the foothills of a dramatic mountain range at the bottom of Africa, Lismore Estate Vineyards was born alongside her nascent family. A passionate vision, combined with vines planted at 300 metres, which are chilled by winter snow and nourished by the African summer sun, produces classic, cool climate wines which are rich, complex and lovingly hand crafted.

Vineyard

The Overberg region is rapidly earning a reputation for premium, cool climate grapes. Lismore is the only registered wine estate in the Greyton ward. Greyton is a designated ward, in recognition of the unique expression of terroir in the wines that are produced there. The Lismore Estate has a total of 12.5 hectares of vineyard, planted on slopes at the base of the Riviersonderend Mountain Range. The combination of elevation and climate make for an extended ripening period, which is approximately three to four weeks later than the more traditional wine growing areas in the Western Cape.

Winemaking

The grapes were whole bunched pressed, barrel fermented and aged for 11 months in older French barrels of 225 to 300 litres. The wine went through regular "bâtonnage" or stirring of the lees, which imparted texture and weight. Winemaker Samantha O'Keefe did not allow malolactic fermentation to take place and as a result the wine has a fresh acidity.

Tasting Note

A complex, expressive bouquet with touches of smoke and walnut infusing the citrus fruit and a hint of toffee just underneath. The palate is lively and ripe on the entry with apricot, mandarin, orange zest and white peach. It is long in the mouth with a fine, walnut inspired finish.

Grape

Chardonnay 100%