Lismore Chardonnay Reserve made from 100 percent Chardonnay.

A careful selection of the best of the vintage that exemplifies the extraordinary terroir of Lismore. This Reserve Chardonnay shows intense citrus, stone fruit, jasmine and walnut layered with honey and vanilla carried by a distinct minerality and crisp acidity with a lingering citrus finish.

Wine Made in the Soil

The vineyards are planted in decomposed shale over clay at 300 meters in the foothills of the Sonderend Mountain Range. A low mean February temperature lends to an extended ripening period that can put harvest 3-4 weeks later than traditional wine growing regions in South Africa. The intense citrus notes and the lingering finish are consistent trademarks of Lismore's specific terroir. The restrained minerality of the Chardonnay is a clear indication of the cool climate in which it is grown.

Wine of Origin "Greyton" has been designated by SAWIS recognizing the special terroir of this region.

Delightful with warm curries which lift the aromatics or a traditional pairing of smoked salmon highlighting the fresh acidity.

Review:

The 2020 Chardonnay Reserve Estate is the only Reserve wine whose fruit survived the wildfire in 2018. It has a glorious bouquet that is Premier Cru Burgundy in quality, featuring wonderful, brilliantly delineated scents of citrus lemon and orange blossom and hints of black currant leaf. The palate is extremely well balanced, displaying wonderful poise allied with impressive concentration. There’s real depth and substance on the finish (where others have lacked in this vintage). An outstanding, world-class Chardonnay.

-- Neal Martin Vinous 95 Points