Complex bouquet of crushed rose petals, wild jasmine and fresh French herbs followed by a palate full of cranberry, raspberry and a long savory finish. To experience the best this wine has to offer, decanting is suggested.
Wine Made in the Soil
70% of the grapes came from Stanford in Walker Bay and 30% from Kaaimansgat in Elandskloof, both in the cool climate region Cape South Coast. The vines are all Burgundian, clone 115. The Stanford vineyard is close to the southernmost tip of Africa and is in one of South Africa’s coolest wine producing regions. The maritime vineyard enjoys a long ripening season, because of the strong cooling winds that are prevalent in the summer. This microclimate is ideal for creating a long hang time, concentrating the flavours in the berries, while retaining natural acidity levels. Kaaimansgat is situated 700m above sea level and its continental climate allows for perfect winter dormancy, and ripens even later than the coastal vineyards. The vines here are planted on decomposed granite soil high in clay content.
"Four different cooler climate sources supply the grapes for this triumph-over-adversity Pinot Noir from Lismore. Fermented with 35% whole bunches and aged in one-third new wood, it's a charming, balanced, graceful red with pomegranate and watermelon flavours and savoury tannins. 2022-26"
- Tim Atkin (South Africa 2021 Special Report), 92 pts
"The 2020 Pinot Noir has an elegant bouquet of red cherries, crushed strawberry and light menthol scents. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, lightly spiced red berry fruit mixed with desiccated orange peel, and a hint of Szechuan pepper toward the finish. Very fine. - Neal Martin"
- Antonio Galloni's Vinous (November 2021), 91 pts
- Antonio Galloni's Vinous (November 2019), 92 pts
- Tim Atkin (South Africa 2020 Special Report), 92 pts
"On the nose, the 2017 Pinot Noir begins with classic dusty red fruit with subtle red spice tones and hints of oak. On the palate, the wine is just slightly tart, revealing some fresh, zippy cranberry tones with orange spice that lingers through to the finish. The mouthfeel is something like that from the Willamette Valley, where it has a quiet strength at its core, with complex fruit and soft earthy tones. The finish is long and shows great focus and balance. It's beautiful now, but I know it will get better with age. Be patient and let it rest. - Anthony Mueller"
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (Issue #245, October 2019), 92+ pts
Tucked into the foothills of a dramatic mountain range at the bottom of Africa is Lismore Estate Vineyards. It is here, in the Greyton area, that Californian Samantha O'Keefe found ...
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