Keermont new releases

Mark Wraith and family acquired two adjacent farms between the Helderberg and Stellenbosch Mountain to form Keermont in 2003, Alex Starey starting as viticulturist and winemaker in 2005, roles he continues to hold to this day. Wines are released on a rolling basis, tasting notes and ratings for some of the latest cuvées as follows:

Terrasse 2023
Price: R290

46% Chenin Blanc, 15% Chardonnay, 15% Sauvignon Blanc, 12% Viognier, 10% Roussanne, 2% Marsanne. Matured for 12 months in older oak. Flowers, fennel and other herbs, lime and peach on the nose. Good fruit concentration and vibrant acidity before a super-dry finish. Not exactly lean, this vintage nevertheless has a nice tension about it. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

4 Barrels Rosé 2024
Price: R215

75% Mourvèdre, 25% Shiraz. Matured for six months in older oak. Watermelon, red apple, potpourri, earth and spice on the nose. Good weight and smooth textured, the acidity well integrated, the finish gently savoury. Flavourful, rich and round. Alc: 14%.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

Merlot 2021
Release: March 2025.
89% Merlot, 8% Malbec, 3% Cabernet Franc. Matured for 20 months in older oak. The nose shows a top note of rose before red and black berries, dried herbs and earth. The palate is medium bodied and well balanced – good freshness and firm but not coarse tannins. Alc: 14%.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Price: R400
95% Cabernet Sauvignon. 5% Cabernet Franc. Matured for 21 months in older oak. Cranberry, cassis, crushed leaves and violets on the nose. The palate is full but balanced and fruit driven in the best sense. Classically styled with lively acidity and nicely grippy, food-friendly tannins. Alc: 14.5%.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Fleurfontein 2023
Price: R345 (375ml bottle)

From Sauvignon Blanc. Stems pinched with pliers, grapes left to dry on the vine for four weeks. Matured in French and Hungarian oak barrels for 15 months. The nose shows dried apricot and honey while the palate is luscious, dense and creamy. Entirely decadent! Alc: 12%.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Check out our South African wine ratings database.