Lismore Estate Vineyards Cape South Coast Chenin Blanc 2021

Description

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.

The Chenin Blanc grapes come from Standord, in the Walker Bay subregion, which is located close to the most southern tip of Africa's Cape South Coast. It is classified as a cool-climate site which contributes to the crisp minerality in the wine. The coastal breezes temper the warm microclimate and imbue the vines with moisture from the sea, the result is a longer hang time for the fruit, which allows the grapes to gradually reach maturation, while building aromatic complexity and retaining natural balancing acidity. The vines are planted on mostly sandy soils, which offer excellent drainage properties. The vines are planted on trellises, judiciously irrigated and hand harvested at optimum maturity.

An understated and classy Chenin Blanc showing beautiful balance. Delicate aromas of orange blossom and jasmine prelude the taut and linear palate through to a racy finish.

94 Pts, Tim Atkin MW, 2022