Description

ABOUT THE PRODUCER:
Californian Samantha O’Keefe has found paradise and the perfect terroir. Tucked into the foothills of a dramatic mountain range at the bottom of Africa, Lismore Estate Vineyards was born alongside her nascent family. A passionate vision, combined with vines planted at 300 metres, which are chilled by winter snow and nourished by the African summer sun, produces classic, cool climate wines which are rich, complex and lovingly hand-crafted.

ABOUT THE VINEYARD:
The Syrah is made from 50% Greyton fruit planted in heavy schist (decomposed shale) soils with no irrigation; and 50% Elgin fruit grown in sandstone and shales soils. Two of the coolest climates in South Africa with extreme diurnal temperature shifts which promote complexity, depth and concentration and presents a Syrah that has a very distinct sense of place.

THE WINEMAKING PROCESS:
The grapes were picked at optimal ripeness. 40% were fermented in whole bunches in large 5,000 litre vats with gentle pump overs twice per day. The process allowed for a long extraction period which lends to the fruit expression and structure of this wine. The free run wine was drained off and the fermented grapes were then pressed in a traditional wooden basket press. The wine was racked into 225, 300 and 500 litre barrels where malolactic conversion took place and the wine was aged for 12 months. 15% new French oak was used.

OUR TASTING NOTES:
An exotic experience which shifts your mind to another place. Cassis, blackberry and cherry on the nose with hints of white pepper, ground herbs and the strong floral perfume of crushed violets. Light and elegant, but structured with a fresh acidity.

GRAPE VARIETY:
Syrah 100%.

AWARDS:
• 94 Points, Wine Advocate, 2024
• 91 Points, Tim Atkin MW, 2024
• 92 Points, Neal Martin, 2024