Lismore new releases

American-born Samantha O’Keefe arrived in South Africa in 2000, founded Lismore three years later and promptly put Greyton on the fine-wine map. In 2019, a devastating fire razed her home, vineyards and cellar, yet she rebuilt with trademark grit.

Chenin Blanc 2024
From Stanford. Peach, greengage plum, orange and fennel on the nose. The palate is glossy – not so much plush as generous.  Dense and textured with punchy acidity and a dry finish. Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Age of Grace Viognier 2024
From Bot River, Elgin and Vyeboom (between Villiersdorp and Elgin). Engaging aromatics of peach, flowers and herbs. Pure fruit and racy acidity before a dry finish. Not without weight but great focus that’s unusual when it comes to local examples of this variety.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Chardonnay 2024
From Elandskloof, Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley and Greyton. White flowers, lemon and some leesy complexity on the nose. Dense fruit, fresh acidity, savoury finish – textbook stuff. Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Pinot Noir 2023
From Elandskloof and Elgin. 30% whole-bunch fermentation. Aromatics of red cherry, strawberry, rose, fynbos, mushroom and white pepper. Lean with lemon-like acidity and a savoury finish. Slightly angular and nervy – plenty of geeky appeal. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Syrah 2023
From Elgin and Stanford. 50 – 70% whole-bunch fermentation.  Pretty aromatics of red berries, flowers, herbs and white pepper. Light-bodied, elegant and refined – pure fruit, vibrant acidity and a nicely dry finish. Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Estate Reserve Chardonnay 2024
Matured for 12 months in 500-litre barrels, 30% new. Lemon, vanilla and some flinty reduction on the nose. The palate is powerful – rich, smooth textured, big acidity, savoury finish. Opulent and polished. Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Estate Reserve Cuvée Blanc 2024

A blend of 90% Roussanne with the balance Chardonnay and Viognier. Aromatics are complex and compelling – lime, lemon, peach, flowers, fynbos and a touch of clove. The palate is intensely concentrated, the snappy acidity and slightly bitter, grippy tannins bringing real tension. Layers of flavour, a big wine with nothing extraneous, moving with surprising agility. Powerful yet taut and energetic. Striking, even profound. Alc: 13.9%.

CE’s rating: 97/100.

Estate Reserve Viognier 2024

Peach, apricot, vanilla, honey, a waxy note and spice on the nose. Broad and layered on the palate, the acidity moderate, the finish gently savoury. A bit of a statement wine. Alc: 14%.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Estate Reserve Syrah 2023

50% whole-bunch fermentation. Matured for 15 months in barrel, 20% new. Alluring aromatics of red and black berries, ripe orange, violets, fynbos, cured meat and spice. The palate shows intensity without undue weight, bright acidity and fine tannins. A slightly tired, diffuse note – no doubt a consequence of the very wet harvest – creeps in, though the finish remains deeply savoury, long and dry. Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

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