KYSELA PERE ET FILS, LTD.

"Made with fruit from vines that mercifully survived the fire of December 2019, this is a wine that will put a smile on the face of anyone who loves the Lismore style. Comfortably the best Viognier in South Africa, it has jasmine and honeysuckle aromas and a palate of quince, pear and tangerine. Subtle, ethereal stuff that ought to frighten a few producers in Condrieu. 2023-28"

- Tim Atkin (South Africa 2022 Special Report), 96 pts

"The 2021 Viognier Estate Reserve comes from vines on grey white shale (new plantings from 2016 were destroyed in the wildfire), so there is just 1.8-hectares that "soldiered on". It has a backward nose with lime flower and light waxy scents. This feels very contained, then discrete menthol aromas surface. The palate is rounded in texture with dried apricot and
touches of yellow plum; the 2021 is packed full of flavour with a lightly spiced, lemongrass-tinged finish. Superb.- Neal Martin"

- Antonio Galloni's Vinous (September 2022), 94 pts

"A burst of nectarine, green almond and preserved lemon flavors are enlivened by buoyant acidity in this lively white, with hints of quinine, anise, milled white pepper and orchard blossom adding detail. This is lushly creamy on the palate, yet mouthwatering and finely balanced, underscored by a streak of salty minerality that drives the finish. Drink now through 2030. - A.N."

- Wine Spectator’s Insider (March 2023), 93 pts

"Reviewed in my 2019 and 2020 reports, but still on the market, this comes from a 0.3-hectare block that was planted 17 years ago and survived the fire last year. Rich, complex and concentrated, it has pear and apricot fruit, a hint of nectarine and a patina of vanilla and cinnamon spice. Has tightened up over the last year. 2020-23"
- Tim Atkin (South Africa 2020 Special Report), 95 pts

"The 2018 Viognier Estate Reserve has a slightly more reserved bouquet than I recall, yet still displays exquisite delineation. While less phenolic than other Viogniers, it has wonderful mineralité and fans out with brio on the sapid finish. This is a sophisticated expression of the grape variety. - Neal Martin"

- Antonio Galloni's Vinous (April 2021), 93 pts

"One of two Lismore estate Viogniers reviewed in my 2019 report, this comes from a 0.3-hectare block that was planted 13 years ago. Rich, complex and concentrated, it has pear and apricot fruit, a hint of nectarine and a patina of vanilla and cinnamon spice. 2019-23 Greyton (14%)"
- Tim Atkin (South Africa 2019 Special Report), 94 pts

Go to Lismore Reserve Viognier

"On the nose, the 2017 Estate Reserve Viognier is slightly subdued and not as floral as the Age of Grace Viognier, but still with peach and apple blossom aromas. The palate shows a fine and focused texture and has a balanced weight across the mid-palate. The finish reveals a precision and mineral tension wrapped up with a structural elegance that I typically find in Condrieu but finishes on the leaner side. I believe that this wine will get better with time, so hold onto it for a couple more years to allow it time to bloom. - Anthony Mueller"
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (Issue #245, October 2019), 91+ pts

Go to Lismore Reserve Viognier