Product Description
Stellenbosch, South Africa
Varieties
Cabernet Sauvignon
The Vineyard
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.
The Harvest
Small batches of grapes are specifically selected according to ripeness, harvested by hand.
This was an excellent growing season on Keermont. Despite a drier than usual winter, we had strong growth in the vineyards during the spring time. This led to the formation of a good healthy crop which ripened evenly during the warm, dry summer. Harvest started fairly early, but was put on hold after a heavy rainfall in late January. This rejuvenated the vines and allowed for extended ripening which definitely raised the general quality. We recorded one of our largest and healthiest crops yet and grapes came in with great analysis and concentration.
The Cellar
Grapes are 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.
8024 bottles and 100 magnums were produced.
The Keermont Cabernet Sauvignon was bottle aged in the cellar for 9 months before release to ensure integration and improved drinkability on release.
ANALYSIS
Alc: 15.0 %
pH: 3.54
TA: 5.7g/L
RS: 1.8 g/L
TSO2: 76 mg/L
VA: 0.83 g/L
Aging Potential
15 years
Awards
CAB 17: 90 pts NEAL MARTIN (Vinous)
CAB 17: 91 pts WINE MAGAZINE
CAB 17: 93 pts TIM ATKIN (MW)
CAB 16: 4 ½ stars PLATTER’S GUIDE
CAB 16: 95 pts NEAL MARTIN (Vinous)
CAB 16: 92 pts TIM ATKIN (MW)
CAB 15: 93 pts WINE ENTHUSIAST
CAB 15: 93 pts TIM ATKIN (MW)
CAB 15: 4 stars PLATTER GUIDE
CAB 15: 91 pts NEAL MARTIN
CAB 14: 93 pts TIM ATKIN (MW)
CAB 14: 91 pts NEAL MARTIN (Wine Advocate)
