Set high in Stellenbosch’s Upper Blaauwklippen Valley, in a natural amphitheatre between the Helderberg and Stellenbosch mountains, Keermont is one of the Cape’s most characterful estate producers. Owned by the Wraith family since 2003 and guided by winemaker Alex Starey since 2005, the estate works exclusively with its own fruit, grown across a patchwork of distinct mountain parcels planted between roughly 250 and 400 metres above sea level.
A blend of three different Syrah vineyard sites growing on Keermont Vineyards, the grapes are fermented ‘whole-berry’, with 15 % ‘whole-bunch’, and receive one or two gentle punch-downs per day. The wine spends 19 months maturing in seasoned 500 and 225 Litre French oak barrels before being bottled by hand.
Keermont Syrah 2021 has a bright red colour with a lighter hue. The bouquet is enticing with strawberries and other red fruit and notes of sandal wood, tea leaf, cloves, and orange rind. The wine has a gentle entry onto the palate. It opens up with vibrant flavours cherry and raspberry complimented by savoury spice and a herbal note. A velvety, but tight tannin structure and good natural acid keep the flavours focussed into a tidy succulent finish. Drink 2026-2036.