The wines we drink: Lismore Syrah 2014

We visit Greyton regularly but have never made it up to Lismore; partly because anecdotal evidence suggested that our small car would not “make” it up the road.  Note to all owners of small vehicles: It will easily make the drive up the road.  Let me tell you: It is totally worth it.

image

Samantha O’Keefe has built a niche winery in the mountain surrounding Greyton: She produces a wonderful Sauvignon Blanc (Blanc Fumé style), Chardonnay, Viognier and Syrah.  We fell in love with the  2014 Syrah on a cold winter afternoon in front of the fireplace in Samantha’s home.  We may have also fallen in love with the 2 lovely dogs and the huge fireplace, but that is a story best viewed in pictures on Facebook.

The Syrah (R190 from the farm) is grown on dry land, shale soils and was matured for 12 months in 5,000 liter oak vats.  The nose is herbacious with a beautiful, perfumed spice profile.  The palate is remarkably light and fresh with raspberry and cherry notes.  There is nothing heavy about this wine yet it delivers everything you want: Freshness, spice, fruit and a lingering finish.

The Lismore Syrah is different to your usual Shiraz assault-to-the-senses, it’s clearly a reflection of minimal intervention wine making and  terroir.  This is by far the most subtle and feminine expression of the grape we’ve tasted in a while.  It’s a wine worth trying – we love it.

http://www.lismore.co.za/

[Category: Just Wine, blanc fumé, Boutique Wine, Chardonnay, dry land, Greyton, Lismore, Samantha O’Keefe, Sauvignon Blanc, shale soil, South Africa, Syrah, terroir, Viognier, Wine]


more on batonage.com