Lismore Barrel Fermented Sauvignon Blanc 2021

Drink now or cellar for up to 6 years. Serve chilled. Lismore was founded by California winemaker Samantha O’Keefe who fell in love with the 300-hectare farm after moving to South Africa in 2000. Over the years she has transformed the property into one of the region’s top wineries for cool climate wines. In 2018 her hard work was recognised by the prestigious Cape Winemaker’s Guild who made her the sixth female winemaker to join the organisation. Lismore is best known for their perfectly-balanced whites thanks to the estate’s unique terroir. Vines are planted on slopes in the foothills of the Riviersonderend Mountain Range where the cooler conditions mean that the harvest usually falls 3-4 weeks after most other South African regions. This long, slow ripening period helps to develop real depth of flavour in the fruit without losing their natural aromatics and freshness. This Sauvignon Blanc is made with 30% fruit from Lismore’s prized Greyton vineyards as well as 70% from vineyards in Helderberg and Elgin. 70% of the wine is fermented and aged in large neutral oak barrels with the reminder in a 1500 litre concrete egg. In both cases the extended contact with the lees adds complexity and a richer, creamy texture which works beautifully with the bright citrus and fresh herb notes and salty minerality from the grape.