Lismore Estate Reserve Chardonnay 2022

Drink now or cellar for up to 12 years. Serve chilled. Lismore occupies a stunning setting just below the Riviersonderend Mountain Range, with its rolling green vineyards extending up the foothills on gentle slopes. The winery was founded by California winemaker Samantha O'Keefe who emigrated to South Africa in 2000 and soon fell in love with the 300-hectare property which was then being run as a farm. Over the intervening years Samantha has transformed the estate into a much-admired winery, and in 2018 the prestigious Cape Winemakers Guild made her the sixth female winemaker to be admitted to their ranks. This Estate Reserve Chardonnay is a great testament both to Samanthas winemaking talent and the brilliant terroir of the estate, using fruit planted on the foothills of the Sonderend Mountain Range at 300 metres above sea level. The cool mountain climate plays a big role in crafting the unique flavour profile of this wine, since the fruit tends to be harvested 3-4 weeks after most of South Africas other winemaking regions. Once in the winery the juice is fermented in 500 litre barrels and then left to mature for 11 months. This adds gentle hints of honey, vanilla, and walnuts to the intense stone fruit, citrus and jasmine notes as well as a rich, creamy texture which is carefully balanced by freshness.