Keermont Riverside Chenin Blanc 2017

Stellenbosch property Keermont recently released new vintages of its single vineyard series, tasting notes and ratings as follows:

On the money.

Keermont Riverside Chenin Blanc 2017
Wine Cellar price: R335
Grapes from a 1971 vineyard. Fermented and matured for 12 months in barrel, some new. The nose shows top notes of hay, fynbos and flowers before citrus and peach. The palate has a good core of fruit plus vibrant acidity before a savoury finish. Nicely proportioned – not too lean, not too fat. Alcohol: 13.5%.

Editor’s rating: 93/100.

Keermont Topside Syrah 2015
Approximate retail price: R425
Grapes from a west-facing vineyard. Matured for 20 months in older 500-litre barrels. Red fruit, fynbos and even a touch of fennel plus pepper on the nose. Pure fruit, lemon-like acidity and fine tannins – lovely structure. Alcohol: 13.5%.

Editor’s rating: 93/100.

Keermont Steepside Syrah 2015
Wine Cellar price: R445
From a north-facing vineyard. Matured for 20 months in older 225- and 500-litre barrels. A hint of reduction before black fruit, lavender, earth, pepper and spice. A full-bodied, assertive wine with sweet, dense fruit and fine tannins, a slight sense of heat to the finish. Not lacking in flavour but demanding to drink. Alcohol: 14.5%

Editor’s rating: 90/100.

Keermont Pondok Rug Cabernet Franc 2015
Approximate retail price: R385
Matured for 20 months in older oak. A pungent nose of dark fruit, crushed herbs, violets and earth. Rich and full with bright acidity and firm tannins. Hangs together pretty well given an alcohol of 14.5%, the finish admirably dry.

Editor’s rating: 91/100.

Find our South African wine ratings database here.