Product Description
Stellenbosch, South Africa
Varieties
55% Chenin Blanc
18% Chardonnay
16% Sauvignon Blanc
10% Viognier
1% Roussanne
The Vineyard
Terrasse is our barrel fermented white blend which derives its name from the terraced vineyards leading up the mountains on the estate. They have six different white wine varieties planted on these terraces and every year they make up a unique blend. The base is Chenin blanc from three distinctive vineyards – their old vine Riverside block planted in 1971, the dryland bush vine Bobbejaan Wingerd (Baboon Vineyard), and the trellised Low Road vineyard. The other varieties add complexity and create a more complete wine. Chardonnay gives a little more weight on the palate, Sauvignon blanc brings fresh acidity, and the drop of Viognier gives this vintage a slight spicy, aromatic lift. All grapes used in producing our wines are grown on Keermont Vineyards. The farm is situated at the upper reaches of the Blaauwklippen Valley above Stellenbosch. Most of the vineyards grow in deep red clay rich soil derived from sandstone and granite and are surrounded by indigenous mountain vegetation.
The Harvest
Small batches of grapes are specifically selected according to ripeness, harvested by hand.
The vintage was quite a challenging one at Keermont. The yields were very small, but the wines have turned out beautifully. Coming off the back of four very dry years in the Cape; Winter rainfall was just slightly below average. Winter temperatures were moderate and perhaps not cold enough for the vines to break dormancy properly as we experienced quite uneven budding in Spring. Spring started off cool and wet so the disease pressure was quite high. From that point onwards, the vintage conditions were good with some Summer rains and warm temperatures without any major heat spikes. Harvest started on 30 January, but was interrupted by 40mm of rain the following week. Grapes were harvested in a very healthy condition although sugar levels were generally low and acidity was difficult to gauge.
The Cellar
Grapes are vinified separately. White wines are fermented by indigenous yeast in seasoned French oak barrels and then spend a further 12 months maturing on the lees. Bottling is carried out by hand without filtration. 9055 bottles and 50 magnums were produced.
ANALYSIS
Alc: 13.50%
pH: 3.29
TA: 5.9g/L
RS: 2.0g/L
TSO2: 64mg/L
VA: 0.60g/L
Awards
TERRASSE 18: 91 pts NEAL MARTIN (VINOUS)
TERRASSE 18: 93 pts CHRISTIAN EEDES (Wine Magazine)
TERRASSE 17: 94 pts TIM ATKIN (MW)
TERRASSE 17: 4 ½ stars PLATTER GUIDE
TERRASSE 16: FIRST CLASS Japan Airlines
TERRASSE 16: 93pts TIM ATKIN (MW)
TERRASSE 16: 4 ½ stars PLATTER GUIDE
TERRASSE 16: 90 pts NEAL MARTIN
TERRASSE 15: 95 pts Cape White Blend Report – Wine Magazine 2017
TERRASSE 15: 93 pts TIM ATKIN (MW)
TERRASSE 15: 4 stars PLATTER GUIDE
TERRASSE 15: 92 pts WINE SPECTATOR
TERRASSE 15: 93 pts NEAL MARTIN (Wine Advocate)
TERRASSE 14: FIRST CLASS British Airways
TERRASSE 14: 94 pts TIM ATKIN (MW)
TERRASSE 14: 90 pts WINE SPECTATOR 2016
TERRASSE 14: 4½ stars PLATTER GUIDE 2016
TERRASSE 14: 93 pts NEAL MARTIN (Wine Advocate)
TERRASSE 13: FIRST CLASS British Airways
TERRASSE 13: 17 pts JANCIS ROBINSON
TERRASSE 13: 89 pts NEAL MARTIN (Wine Advocate)
TERRASSE 13: 94 pts TIM ATKIN (MW)
TERRASSE 13: MATTHEW JUKES WoW in Money week: “scintillating “– 21 November 2014
TERRASSE 13: 4 stars PLATTER GUIDE
