Lismore Barrel Fermented Sauvignon Blanc 2015

By , 29 March 2017

Lismore Barrel Fermented Sauvignon Blanc 2015

All of a piece.

Previous vintages of the Barrel Fermented Sauvignon Blanc from Lismore in Greyton have been pleasurable if somewhat idiosyncratic but winemaker Samantha O’Keefe has got it spot on in the case of the 2015.

Including 20% of grapes from Bot River on account of her own vineyards bearing a particularly small crop, the wine was fermented and matured for 11 months in older oak. The nose shows a floral top note before lime, blackcurrant and naartjie – all quite subtle and understated. The palate, meanwhile, is rich and full but beautifully balanced – concentrated fruit plus tangy acidity making for a seamless drinking experience. Price: R165 a bottle.

Editor’s rating: 93/100.

Also current release is The Age of Grace Viognier 2016. From  Elgin fruit, this involved two pickings, one early to acheive freshness and another later for aromatics and flavour. Maturation lasted nine months in barrel, 5% new.

The nose is very pretty with flowers, pear, peach and just a touch of spice in evidence while the palate shows strikingly pure fruit. It’s a big, expressive wine, a slight warmth on the finish from an alcohol of 14% easy to forgive.

Editor’s rating: 91/100.

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