Keet First Verse 2020

Chris Keet is the man who envisaged and brought about the legendary Cape Bordeaux red blend known as Cordoba Crescendo in the 1990s and early 2000s. His own take on a Cape Bordeaux known as First Verse has been around since the 2009 vintage and it has been fascinating to watch it evolve stylistically.

Initial releases had the elegance reminiscent of Crescendo but then the wine seemed to come more and more powerful, perhaps even overwrought – both the 2017 and 2018 vintages carried an alcohol of 15%.

The newly released 2020, however, is a triumph. A blend of 29% Cabernet Franc, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 16% Petit Verdot and 10% Malbec sourced from across Stellenbosch district, it was matured for 18 months in barrel, 15% new.

Complex aromatics of red and black berries, violets, some leafiness, oystershell, turned earth and pencil shavings precede a palate that’s medium bodied with fresh acidity and silky tannins. This is a wine that has both fruit purity and structure – it is hardly underdone given an alcohol of 14.5% but it has lovely composure and detail. It manages to be immediately appealing but simultaneously possessing the necessary to mature with benefit. Price: R700 a bottle.

CE’s rating: 96/100.

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