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Pale, bright straw-yellow. Pungent, fruit-driven aromas of gooseberry, passion fruit and tangerine, complicated by a subtle leesy quality, some charred oak and hints of dusty herbs. Supple and intense, with lovely juicy, mineral-driven acidity enlivening the wine's ripe citrus and tropical fruit flavors and extending the finish. Offers a sexy combination of sweet, pliant and energetic, leaving the mouth feeling refreshed. Very distinctive, flavorful Sauvignon Blanc. - Stephen Tanzer"
- Antonio Galloni's Vinous (June 2015), 90 pts
"The 2013 Barrel Fermented Sauvignon Blanc is another great wine from winemaker Samantha O'Keefe. It has an "assured" nose, one with a sense of confidence, springing out of the traps with ripe melon, fresh pear and gooseberry scents. The palate is harmonious with impressive depth and vigor, slightly leesy on the entry and with plenty of acidic bite to maintain tautness and focus on the finish. This is one of those wines you will finish sooner than you expect! - Neal Martin"
"The Sauvignon Blanc at Lismore is planted on the crest of the hill on an unirrigated block. Made in an oxidative style like a Chardonnay, it’s fermented in older wood and sees 11 months of lees contact. The result is creamy, savoury and slightly smoky, with notes of gunflint and grapefruit and impressive palate length. Drink: 2016-19"
"Including 20% of grapes from Bot River on account of her own vineyards bearing a particularly small crop, the wine was fermented and matured for 11 months in older oak. The nose shows a floral top note before lime, blackcurrant and naartjie – all quite subtle and understated. The palate, meanwhile, is rich and full but beautifully balanced – concentrated fruit plus tangy acidity making for a seamless drinking experience."
"Spontaneous ferment in 300- to 500-litre neutral oak. Smoky and lightly reductive.