We have already told Samantha O’Keefe’s origin story. She arrived in South Africa in 2000, founded Lismore outside Greyton in 2003, released a first vintage in 2006 and pioneered the Wine of Origin Greyton ward. This is the sequel. Samantha is still owner and winemaker, with assistant winemaker Adele Botha alongside her, and this video looks at what a legacy looks like when the next voice in the cellar starts to be heard.

 

The grape is Viognier, which probably comes from Condrieu in the Northern Rhône and is loved for its peach, apricot and honeysuckle perfume. It is also naturally full in body and low in acid, which means it can easily turn broad and overdone. Charles Back planted South Africa’s first Viognier at Fairview in 1996, and the early local styles were often big, ripe and oaky.

 

The Age of Grace Viognier 2024 is Lismore’s argument that the grape can be expressive without its perfume and weight running away with the wine.

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My tasting notes for this wine will be added here when the video goes live.

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