"The 2017 Estate Reserve Chardonnay was matured in 500-liter barrels using 40% new oak. It has quite a powerful bouquet of crushed stone, yellow stone fruit, jasmine and light walnut aromas that are very well defined, although it clearly needs a couple of years to absorb the oak. The palate is very precise on the entry, displaying notes of orange zest (veering toward blood orange), quince and nectarine. This has wonderful acidity and great build in the mouth toward a very impressive, almost Corton-Charlemagne-like finish. This will be outstanding once it reaches the peak of maturity. - Neal Martin"
- Antonio Galloni's Vinous (August 2018), 94 pts
"First vintage of this wine, 40% new 500-litre barrels. A new departure as she prefers neutral oak.
"Medium straw. Introduced by scents of flint, green citrus and underripe mango, the estate Chardonnay Reserve is Lismore’s icon wine. It’s mineral rich and focused with an incredibly pure, silky mouth feel and vibrant acidity. A great Chardonnay! Made with natural yeast and matured 11 months in 500L French oak, 40% new."
"Bravo to Lismore for the quality of this first Reserve Chardonnay, all made with fruit from the farm in Greyton. This has sufficient power and concentration to cope with the 40% new wood, supported by acidity and real focus. Sappy, structured and intense, with classic, quasi-Burgundian notes of struck match. 2018-23. - Tim Atkin"
"This is medium-rich in aroma, with tones of ripe mango, baked pear and caramelized pineapple atop a ripe apple core. The palate shows great overall balance, with pronounced verve in the lifted lime and orange tones and lingering vibrancy thanks to the bright acidity. The finish is medium-plus in length, with some soft spice on the back that grows in intensity with each sip.- LAUREN BUZZEO"
"On the nose, the 2017 Estate Reserve Chardonnay has elegant, luscious red apples, lemon and pear tart and seductive floral notes of cherry blossom. It has excellent mouthfeel with perfect mid-palate weight and balance and elegant Chardonnay expression. The 35% new oak is harmoniously integrated and not heavy handed or overdone and it finishes long. This is beautiful and complex like Chassagne-Montrachet. Yes, this is tasty and collectible stuff! Stock your cellars now as these bottles won't last long. - Anthony Mueller"