Barrel Fermented Sauvignon Blanc 2020

Barrel fermentation and extended lees contact contribute to this full bodied, elegant and well balanced wine.  Floral notes of passion flower and fynbos, granadilla, guava, gooseberry and pear on the palate along with an underlying minerality which gives this unique terroir driven wine its signature. Wine Made in the Soil The vineyards are planted on East/Southeast facing slopes at 320 metres.   The soils are deep decomposed shale.  The aspect which faces away from the afternoon sun, combined with a generally low mean February temperature, lends to an extended ripening period that can put harvest 3-4 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.  Winemakers' Notes I love barrel fermented Sauvignon Blanc.  The wine is approached and made in an “oxidative" style.  Older 300 litre barrels were used for fermentation bringing forward richness and additional complexity.  The wine was given extended less contact to contribute further to the rounder mouth feel and creaminess of this elegantly textured wine.   As with all Lismore wines, balance is the key.  The bracing acidity that is customary in new world Sauvignons has been brought into balance with a carefully chosen pick date and the barrel fermentation.  A full bodied, balanced wine was the goal.