Keet First Verse 2021

Chris Keet’s First Verse has cemented its reputation as one of the Cape’s more age-worthy Bordeaux-style red blends. The 2011 placed in the Top 10 of the 10-Year-Old Report 2021, followed by the 2013 in 2023 and the 2014 last year. (Keet opted not to submit the 2015 for this year’s tasting, citing “almost non-existent” stocks.)

Now, the 2021 release looks poised to follow suit. A blend of 39% Cabernet Franc, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Malbec, and 6% each of Merlot and Petit Verdot, sourced from across Stellenbosch, it spent 19 months in barrel, 15% new.

The nose shows red and black berries, violets, herbs and a touch of chocolate. The palate displays pure fruit, bright acidity and supple, mouth-coating tannins. There’s undoubtedly a lusciousness to the wine but it’s by no means overblown – the balance is spot-on, the finish dry but not astringent (alc: 14.5%). Very accomplished as we have come to expect from Keet. Price: R730 a bottle.

CE’s rating: 96/100.

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