2017 Vintage
WINE MAKING
Keermont Cabernet grows in our Cottage Lane Vineyard on the mid-slopes of the Helderberg. This vineyard is situated on the crest of a ridge (320m above sea level) so has aspects ranging from East through North to West. It is very exposed resulting in small vines with low yields. This has allowed us to make a relatively fine grained Cabernet, but the clay soils translate to a wine with power, tension and fresh acidity. We blend in a couple of barrels of other varieties to add to the complexity of flavour and tannin structure.
Small batches of grapes are specifically selected according to ripeness, harvested by hand and vinified separately. This process is carried out gently and naturally in open top fermenters using traditional methods only. This wine spent 27 months maturing in seasoned French oak barriques (approximately 5% new) before being bottled by hand without filtration on 11 June 19. 8024 bottles and 100 magnums were produced. The Keermont Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 was bottle aged in our cellar for 9 months before release to ensure integration and improved drinkability on release
ACCOLADES
90 pts NEAL MARTIN (Vinous)
91 pts WINE MAGAZINE
93 pts TIM ATKIN (MW)
TASTING NOTES
Dark ruby red in colour, this is quite a serious vintage with a complex bouquet of ripe red berry fruit, cedar wood, and typical ‘fynbos’ flowers. The palate is full bodied, but gentle. Tannin structure is full and dense and coats the palate while the natural acidity keeps the ripe fruit in check. Savoury notes of tomato paste and cloves add character to the bright red strawberry and cassis flavours which linger into a long, tight finish. Drink 2020 – 2035.
BLEND
86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc, 3% Malbec