Lismore
South Coast Chardonnay
Cape South Coast, Western Cape, South Africa
Samantha O’Keefe’s reputation stretches well beyond the Cape where she makes her world-class wines, wines which have garnered high praise from the likes of Jancis Robinson, Neal Martin, and others. Though she produces single varietal wines from a variety of grapes, it’s her Syrah and Chardonnay that have attracted the most attention. It’s my first time trying one, so how does the 2017 Chardonnay stack up? Holy heck, it’s good.
There’s an intoxicating kaleidoscope of aromas on the nose, replete with marzipan, vanilla, burnt butter, baked apple and orange marmalade, with a sweet scent that’s hard to put into words. It’s heaven in a glass. The palate, meanwhile, is simply everything you could want from Chardonnay - anywhere in the world. It’s immediately ripe with perfect harmony between fruit and acid, both generous, both gorgeous, with a finish that doesn’t quit. If I’d tasted this blind and been told it was a premier cru Puligny from a top producer, I’d understand - and be thrilled. But it isn’t. And all power to it. Samantha has a reserve bottling of the Chardonnay, two of which from 2017 I have in the cellar. Boy, I’ll try hard not to open those!
Samantha O’Keefe’s reputation stretches well beyond the Cape where she makes her world-class wines, wines which have garnered high praise from the likes of Jancis Robinson, Neal Martin, and others. Though she produces single varietal wines from a variety of grapes, it’s her Syrah and Chardonnay that have attracted the most attention. It’s my first time trying one, so how does the 2017 Chardonnay stack up? Holy heck, it’s good.
There’s an intoxicating kaleidoscope of aromas on the nose, replete with marzipan, vanilla, burnt butter, baked apple and orange marmalade, with a sweet scent that’s hard to put into words. It’s heaven in a glass. The palate, meanwhile, is simply everything you could want from Chardonnay - anywhere in the world. It’s immediately ripe with perfect harmony between fruit and acid, both generous, both gorgeous, with a finish that doesn’t quit. If I’d tasted this blind and been told it was a premier cru Puligny from a top producer, I’d understand - and be thrilled. But it isn’t. And all power to it. Samantha has a reserve bottling of the Chardonnay, two of which from 2017 I have in the cellar. Boy, I’ll try hard not to open those!
Ronnie had this 3 years ago
Ronnie had this 3 years ago
Nov 28th, 2021