Lismore Reserve Chardonnay 2022 Wine (75cl)

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Lismore Estate Vineyards was founded by Californian Samantha O’Keefe, who discovered an ideal cool-climate terroir at the foothills of the dramatic South African mountain ranges. Passion and precision in vineyard management have produced wines that are rich, expressive, and handcrafted with care. Vintage The 2022 vintage followed a challenging period after a fire in 2019 destroyed part of the vineyards and all finished wines. Grapes were carefully sourced from remaining estate plots in Stellenbosch and supplemented with 15% from the upper Hemel-en-Aarde valley in Hermanus, which bore similar characteristics to the lost vineyard. This vintage demonstrates a complex, cool-climate expression, with excellent balance and concentration. Vineyard Vines are planted at 300 metres above sea level, benefiting from winter snow-chilled soils and summer sun exposure. The terroir combines mountain slopes, well-drained soils, and a maritime influence from the Cape South Coast, producing grapes with remarkable freshness, acidity, and aromatic intensity.

Winemaking

Grapes were hand-picked at optimal ripeness and whole-bunch pressed, extracting juice at a gentle rate of 600 litres per tonne. Fermentation occurred naturally in 300-litre French oak barrels, with 5% new oak, emphasising freshness, fruit purity, and acidity over overt oak influence. The wine was matured on its lees, adding texture and depth without masking the varietal character.

Tasting Notes

The wine offers a complex bouquet of apricot, mandarin, orange zest, and white peach, layered with brioche, honey, and walnut nuances. The palate is vibrant, mineral-driven, and lively, with crisp acidity and a long, elegant citrus and toasted hazelnut finish.

Grape Variety

100% Chardonnay