£20, Oddbins and oddbins.com
Dazzlingly good Viognier from a winemaking paradise in the foothills of spectacular mountains deep in the south of South Africa. Or, to put it another way, a winemaking paradise in the middle of nowhere, three hours’ drive from Cape Town. The Age of Grace Viognier, from vineyards in the cool, high-altitude Elgin region, has a touchstone floral perfume – a combination of jasmine and honeysuckle – and flavours of white peach and apricot wrapped around a luxurious soft texture and seamless fresh acidity. Try it with lightly spicy Asian dishes, shellfish and seafood, including in cream sauces, or with pork, or just enjoy it on its own. And do try the other stellar Lismore wines (Syrah, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon, Chardonnay, another Viognier) from Samantha O’Keefe, ex Berkeley, California. Exactly how she found the 240-hectare former dairy farm that she turned into Lismore Estate Vineyards in the hidden Greyton region, I don’t know, except that she was looking for a simpler life outside America. Since finding it 14 years ago, she’s put Greyton on the global wine map, but still has barely a neighbour.
Lismore Estate Vineyards The Age of Grace Viognier 2016, Cape South Coast, South Africa
£20, Oddbins and oddbins.com; Wine and the Vine (£19.50 for 2015/2016); £86.28–£102.56 for 6, GP Brands, Strictly Wine, allaboutwine.co.uk.