Lismore Barrel Fermented Sauvignon Blanc 2021

The Overberg region is rapidly earning a reputation for premium, cool climate grapes. Lismore's 12.5 hectare vineyard is planted at 300 metres above sea level, in the foothills of the Sonderend Mountain Range. The soils are made up of deep, decomposed shale. The aspect which faces away from the afternoon sun, combined with a generally low mean February temperature, allows an extended ripening period that can result in a harvest three to four weeks later than traditional wine growing regions in South Africa. Sauvignon Blanc is a variety that expresses a very distinct and specific sense of place or ""terroir". The distinct minerality of this Sauvignon Blanc is a clear indication of the cool climate in which it is grown.

The wine was made in an 'oxidative' style. The must was barrel-fermented in older 300 litre barrels to bring forward richness and additional complexity. The wine was given extended less contact with occasional bâtonnage, to contribute further to the rounder mouth feel and creaminess of this elegantly textured wine. The wine was aged for nine months. The bracing acidity that is customary in New World Sauvignon Blancs has been brought into balance with a carefully chosen pick date and the barrel fermentation, creating a full-bodied, balanced wine.

Decanter Magazine awarded 91 points: "...an elegant Graves-style white... great complexity, weight and tight, bright citrus, herb and toasted nut characters."