Keermont new releases

Keermont lies on the Helderberg – some 30 ha of steep vineyards surrounding the cellar on just about all sides and henceforth the top-end red blend to be known as “Amphitheatre”. Tasting notes and ratings for the new releases as follows:

Keermont Terrasse 2019
Price: R190

55% Chenin Blanc, 18% Chardonnay, 16% Sauvignon Blanc, 10% Viognier and 1% Roussanne. Expressive aromatics of flowers, herbs, citrus and peach plus a slight nuttiness while the palate shows good fruit expression and tangy acidity – plenty of detail, the finish long and dry.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

Keermont Terasse 2020
Price: R190

36% Chenin Blanc, 22% Chardonnay, 20% Sauvignon Blanc, 8% Marsanne, 8% Roussanne and 6% Viognier. A top note of hay before pear, peach and citrus on the nose while the palate appears a little leaner than its predecessor – tightly wound with vibrant acidity and a saline finish.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Keermont Merlot 2018
Price: R220

Includes 6% Cabernet Franc and 4% Malbec. Matured for 27 months in older oak. Cherry, red currant, rose and some attractive herbal character to go with vanilla and oak spice on the nose while the palate has an appealing sweetness about it – plenty of juicy fruit, fresh acidity and crunchy tannins.

CE’s rating: 90/100.

Keermont Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Price: R280

Includes 10% Cabernet Franc. Matured for 27 months in French oak, 5% new. Red currant, cassis, some leafiness, floral perfume, vanilla and oak spice on the nose while the palate is surprisingly medium bodied given an alcohol of 15% – good fruit definition and nicely grippy tannins, the finish long and dry.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Keermont Amphitheatre 2015
Price: R580

Previously known as Estate Reserve. 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Cabernet Franc, 22% Merlot, 17% Petit Verdot, 5% Malbec and 1% Syrah. Matured for 19 months in French oak, 20% new. Red and black berries plus more mature notes of leather and malt on the nose while the palate is rich and full with lots of succulent fruit and smooth tannins. Slightly hot on the finish but many will appreciate if for its opulence.

CE’s rating: 90/100.

Check out our South African wine ratings database.

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