Wine Advisor
Lismore, The Age of Grace Viognier 2023
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Monica Larner
The Lismore 2023 The Age of Grace Viognier is sourced from four cool-climate sites, including Elgin, where former apple orchards have gradually given way to vines as agricultural economics shift. The wine carries salinity and bright acidity beneath apricot and stone fruit, with a subtle green thread that signals freshness. Clean and precise on the nose, it moves toward a silky, creamy finish shaped by carefully managed oxidative handling that polishes away bitterness. Vintner Samantha O’Keefe continues to champion Viognier from these cool settings.
About the Producer
Tucked into the foothills of a dramatic mountain range at the bottom of Greyton area in Africa is Lismore Estate Vineyards. Samantha left Los Angeles for South Africa in 2000. She purchased the a 300-hectare ranch called Riviersonderend , planted vines and constructed a winery. Lismore Estate Vineyards was founded in 2003, and her inaugural vintage was released in 2008. Samantha’s wines have garnered the attention of top journalists, and in 2018, she was inducted into the prestigious Cape Winemaker’s Guild in 2018, becoming the 6th woman to ever be inducted into the Guild. Samantha’s passion, combined with vines planted at 300 meters, chilled by the winter snow and nourished by the African summer sun, produce classic cool climate wines which are rich, complex and lovingly hand crafted.
