• (375ml) The KEERMONT FLEURFONTEIN (‘flower fountain’) derives its name from a beautiful spring on the farm. The Sauvignon blanc vineyard from which grapes are sourced for this wine lies just below this spring. We use a distinctive technique to produce raisins in the vineyard which give the Fleurfontein its concentration and sweetness. Raisins are produced by using a pair of pliers to pinch the stem of the bunches while they ripen on the vine. This pinching action stops the translocation of fluids into and out of the grapes, which then stops them from becoming over ripe. We do this when the grapes are at optimal ripeness in order to concentrate the juice with the perfect sugar to acid balance. The grapes dry out naturally during the warm summer and are harvested a few weeks later. The syrupy juice is squeezed from them with a hard pressing process. This is slowly fermented by indigenous yeast in Hungarian and French oak barrels and then matures in these barrels for about 15 months. Total production for this bottling was seven barrels yielding 3900 bottles. All grapes used in producing this wine were grown on Keermont Vineyards. Processing, maturation, and bottling were carried out by hand in our cellar.  

    TASTING NOTE

    Yellow gold in colour, the Fleurfontein 2023 exudes aromas of dried apricot, litchi, and pine apple with hints of almond, vanilla and sweet spice. The palate is full and creamy with concentrated flavours of dried fruit, honey vanilla biscuit and a touch of curry spice. A central core of acidity gives the wine a long, complex, salted caramel finish. Drink now through to 2035.  

    VINTAGE REPORT

    2023 will be remembered as a wet vintage in the Cape. Winter was cold and wet (which is very beneficial for the vineyards and sets them on a good course for the vintage). While spring and the beginning of the growing season was cool and relatively dry, we did receive above average rainfall. December was very wet which created a lot of disease pressure and led to more growth in the vineyard. Harvest was also wetter than usual, and we had to time our picking carefully to avoid dilution from the rain. Fortunately, the Fleurfontein grapes were able to dry under relatively healthy conditions and we produced a record 7 barrels of sweet wine.  

    BLOCKS

    BLOCK
    VARIETY
    PLANTED
    YIELD
    %
    Low Road
    Sauvignon blanc
    2005
    8.9 ton/Ha
    100%

    ANALYSIS

    Alc: 12.5 % pH: 3.45 TA: 7.2 g/L RS: 230.9 g/L TSO2: 155 mg/L VA: 1.55 g/L  

    ACCOLADES

    FLEURFONTEIN 23: 5 stars PLATTER'S GUIDE FLEURFONTEIN 23: 95 pts NEAL MARTIN (Vinous) FLEURFONTEIN 22: 4 ½ stars PLATTER'S GUIDE FLEURFONTEIN 22: 95 pts TIM ATKIN (MW) FLEURFONTEIN 22: 94 pts NEAL MARTIN (Vinous) FLEURFONTEIN 21: 90 pts WINE SPECTATOR FLEURFONTEIN 21: 96 pts TIM ATKIN (MW) FLEURFONTEIN NV: 4 ½ stars PLATTER'S GUIDE FLEURFONTEIN NV: 94 pts TIM ATKIN (MW) FLEURFONTEIN 19: 97 pts NEAL MARTIN (Vinous) FLEURFONTEIN 19: 90 pts WINE SPECTATOR FLEURFONTEIN 19: 93 pts WINE MAGAZINE FLEURFONTEIN 19: 4 ½ stars PLATTER'S GUIDE FLEURFONTEIN 18: 95 pts NEAL MARTIN (Vinous) FLEURFONTEIN 18: 4 ½ stars PLATTER'S GUIDE FLEURFONTEIN 18: 92pts TIM ATKIN (MW) FLEURFONTEIN 17: 93pts TIM ATKIN (MW) FLEURFONTEIN 17: 4 stars PLATTER'S GUIDE FLEURFONTEIN 17: 93 pts NEAL MARTIN FLEURFONTEIN 15: 95 pts TIM ATKIN (MW) FLEURFONTEIN 15: 94 pts NEAL MARTIN (Wine Advocate) FLEURFONTEIN 14: 94 pts TIM ATKIN (MW) FLEURFONTEIN 14: 94pts NEAL MARTIN (Wine Advocate) FLEURFONTEIN 13: FIRST CLASS British Airways FLEURFONTEIN 13: 16.5 pts JANCIS ROBINSON FLEURFONTEIN 12: 91pts NEAL MARTIN (Wine Advocate) FLEURFONTEIN 12: 94 ptsTIM ATKIN (MW) FLEURFONTEIN 12: FIRST CLASS British Airways FLEURFONTEIN 12: 4½ starsPLATTER GUIDE 2015 FLEURFONTEIN 10: 92 pts NEAL MARTIN (Wine Advocate) FLEURFONTEIN 10: 4 stars PLATTER GUIDE 2012
  • Our two Merlot vineyards are High Road with heavier clay and more rocky soils (altitude 330m) which leans toward more dense and concentrated wine; and Homestead Merlot (altitude 260m) in lighter, loamy soils which leans toward more elegant wine. We follow a traditional winemaking philosophy which means indigenous yeast fermentation, no adjustment to acid or alcohol, maturation in seasoned oak barrels and bottling by hand with little or no filtration. This wine spent 19 months maturing in French oak barrels before being bottled on 28 October 2021. A total of 11720 bottles and 101 magnums were produced.

    TASTING NOTE

    The Keermont Merlot 2020 has a vibrant venetian red colour. Enticing spicy red fruit on the nose with hints of cinnamon, dried herbs, and Christmas pudding. Classical soft, fruitful palate with dark plums, cherries and delicate anise and dried orange notes. Fine dusty tannins hold the wine into a long savoury finish. Best drinking: 2023-2035.  

    VINTAGE REPORT

    Winter temperatures leading up to the 2020 harvest were moderate, with below average rainfall. Fortunately, we had a wet Spring which prompted the vines to grow strong and develop a decent size crop. Early season was marked by erratic temperatures with several heat spikes. These factors made farming quite tough with increased pressure from disease and insects. The vineyard team worked hard to prepare a healthy crop. Mid-Summer temperatures were moderate, although we did experience a short heat wave in January. This was followed by a gale-force South-East wind which hammered the vineyards. This resulted in the grapes ripening quickly. Although we started picking at a normal time, by 10 March we had picked all the grapes for our wines.

    BLOCKS

    BLOCK
    VARIETY
    PLANTED
    YIELD
    %
    Homestead
    Merlot
    2007
    6.8 ton/Ha
    48%
    High Road
    Merlot
    2009
     8.0 ton/Ha
    42%
    Pondokrug
    Cabernet Franc
    2007
    3.6 ton/Ha
    6%
    Homestead
    Malbec
    2007
    1.8 ton/Ha
    4%

    ANALYSIS

    Alc: 15.0% pH: 3.686 TA: 5.2 g/L RS: 2.0 g/L TSO2: 82 mg/L VA: 0.94 g/L

    ACCOLADES

    MERLOT 21: 4 ½ stars PLATTER'S GUIDE MERLOT 21: 93 pts TIM ATKIN (MW) MERLOT 20: 4 ½ stars PLATTER'S GUIDE MERLOT 20: 88 pts NEAL MARTIN (Vinous) MERLOT 20: 90 pts TIM ATKIN (MW) MERLOT 19: 4 ½ stars PLATTER'S GUIDE MERLOT 19: 87 pts NEAL MARTIN (Vinous) MERLOT 18: 93 pts TIM ATKIN (MW) MERLOT 18: 90 pts NEAL MARTIN (Vinous) MERLOT 18: 90 PTS CHRISTIAN EEDES (Wine Magazine) MERLOT 18: 90 pts JAMES SUCKLING (MW) MERLOT 18: 4 ½ stars PLATTER'S GUIDE MERLOT 17: 87 pts NEAL MARTIN (Vinous) MERLOT 17: 89 PTS CHRISTIAN EEDES (Wine Magazine) MERLOT 17: 4 ½ stars PLATTER'S GUIDE MERLOT 16: 4 ½ stars PLATTER'S GUIDE MERLOT 15: 4 stars PLATTER'S GUIDE MERLOT 15: 91 pts TIM ATKIN (MW) MERLOT 15: 86 pts NEAL MARTIN (Wine Advocate)
  • Our two Merlot vineyards are High Road with heavier clay and more rocky soils (altitude 330m) which leans toward more dense and concentrated wine; and Homestead Merlot (altitude 260m) in lighter, loamy soils which leans toward more elegant wine. We follow a traditional winemaking philosophy which means indigenous yeast fermentation, no adjustment to acid or alcohol, maturation in seasoned oak barrels and bottling by hand with little or no filtration. This wine spent 19 months maturing in French oak barrels before being bottled on 28 October 2021. A total of 11720 bottles and 101 magnums were produced.

    TASTING NOTE

    The Keermont Merlot 2020 has a vibrant venetian red colour. Enticing spicy red fruit on the nose with hints of cinnamon, dried herbs, and Christmas pudding. Classical soft, fruitful palate with dark plums, cherries and delicate anise and dried orange notes. Fine dusty tannins hold the wine into a long savoury finish. Best drinking: 2023-2035.  

    VINTAGE REPORT

    Winter temperatures leading up to the 2020 harvest were moderate, with below average rainfall. Fortunately, we had a wet Spring which prompted the vines to grow strong and develop a decent size crop. Early season was marked by erratic temperatures with several heat spikes. These factors made farming quite tough with increased pressure from disease and insects. The vineyard team worked hard to prepare a healthy crop. Mid-Summer temperatures were moderate, although we did experience a short heat wave in January. This was followed by a gale-force South-East wind which hammered the vineyards. This resulted in the grapes ripening quickly. Although we started picking at a normal time, by 10 March we had picked all the grapes for our wines.

    BLOCKS

    BLOCK
    VARIETY
    PLANTED
    YIELD
    %
    Homestead
    Merlot
    2007
    6.8 ton/Ha
    48%
    High Road
    Merlot
    2009
     8.0 ton/Ha
    42%
    Pondokrug
    Cabernet Franc
    2007
    3.6 ton/Ha
    6%
    Homestead
    Malbec
    2007
    1.8 ton/Ha
    4%

    ANALYSIS

    Alc: 15.0% pH: 3.686 TA: 5.2 g/L RS: 2.0 g/L TSO2: 82 mg/L VA: 0.94 g/L

    ACCOLADES

    MERLOT 21: 4 ½ stars PLATTER'S GUIDE MERLOT 21: 93 pts TIM ATKIN (MW) MERLOT 20: 4 ½ stars PLATTER'S GUIDE MERLOT 20: 88 pts NEAL MARTIN (Vinous) MERLOT 20: 90 pts TIM ATKIN (MW) MERLOT 19: 4 ½ stars PLATTER'S GUIDE MERLOT 19: 87 pts NEAL MARTIN (Vinous) MERLOT 18: 93 pts TIM ATKIN (MW) MERLOT 18: 90 pts NEAL MARTIN (Vinous) MERLOT 18: 90 PTS CHRISTIAN EEDES (Wine Magazine) MERLOT 18: 90 pts JAMES SUCKLING (MW) MERLOT 18: 4 ½ stars PLATTER'S GUIDE MERLOT 17: 87 pts NEAL MARTIN (Vinous) MERLOT 17: 89 PTS CHRISTIAN EEDES (Wine Magazine) MERLOT 17: 4 ½ stars PLATTER'S GUIDE MERLOT 16: 4 ½ stars PLATTER'S GUIDE MERLOT 15: 4 stars PLATTER'S GUIDE MERLOT 15: 91 pts TIM ATKIN (MW) MERLOT 15: 86 pts NEAL MARTIN (Wine Advocate)
  • WHAT IS IN THE BOX

    The perfect starter pack of our wines. It includes one bottle of each of our annual release wines, namely, Terrasse, Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Amphitheatre & Fleurfontein. 10% discount included in the price.
  • KEERMONT SYRAH is a blend of three different Syrah vineyard sites growing on Keermont Vineyards: Steepside Syrah: Growing on a North facing slope in deep, red clay-rich soils; this vineyard generally produces softer full bodied wines with rich, spicy flavours. Topside Syrah: An unirrigated west facing vineyard planted at 400m above sea level on rocky sandstone-based soil. Topside Syrah is usually an aromatic wine with a solid structure and high natural acid. Sweetwater Syrah: Situated in a rocky valley below the Fleurfontein spring, this is the coolest of the three Syrah sites and ripens the latest. Sweetwater Syrah is normally lighter and elegant in style with a herbal aroma. We add a small percentage of Mourvedre to this to bring some extra tannin structure and complexity. Vinification: All grapes used in producing our wines are grown on Keermont Vineyards. Small parcels 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 20 months maturing in seasoned 500 and 225 litre French oak barrels before being bottled by hand on 27 November 2019. We produced 13074 bottles and 98 magnums.  

    TASTING NOTE

    Keermont Syrah 2018 has a bright blood 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 exudes vibrant flavours of cherry and raspberry, complimented by savoury spice, and a vanilla note. A soft, but tight tannin structure and good natural acidity keep the flavours focused into a tidy succulent finish. Drink 2023-2033.  

    VINTAGE REPORT

    Despite prevailing drought conditions, 2018 was a very good growing season on Keermont. We had a fairly cold winter although it was drier than usual. Spring arrived quite early and the warm weather ensured an even budburst. We had some good rain showers during the season which allowed for the vines to grow sufficiently. These factors led to the formation of a healthy crop which ripened evenly. We had very notable diurnal temperature variation during this season (warm days and cool nights) which is responsible for good tannin, colour, and flavour development. Harvest started at the beginning of February and ran very smoothly. We processed 87 tons (13 varieties) in the Keermont winery over the period of seven weeks.  

    BLOCKS

    BLOCK
    VARIETY
    PLANTED
    YIELD
    %
    Steepside
    Syrah
    2005
    5.3 ton/Ha
    30%
    Steepside
    Syrah
    2009
    2.7 ton/Ha
    10%
    Topside
    Syrah
    2006
    5.6 ton/Ha
    30%
    Sweetwater
    Syrah
    2006
    14.6 ton/Ha
    19%
    Steepside
    Mourvèdre
    2009
    2.2 ton/Ha
    11%

    ANALYSIS

    Alc: 14.0 % pH: 3.66 TA: 5.2 g/L RS: 1.8 g/L TSO2: 51 mg/L VA: 0.72 g/L

    ACCOLADES

    SYRAH 19: 4 ½ stars PLATTER'S GUIDE SYRAH 19: 93 pts TIM ATKIN (MW) SYRAH 18: 4 ½ stars PLATTER'S GUIDE SYRAH 18: 93 pts TIM ATKIN (MW) SYRAH 18: 93 pts NEAL MARTIN (Vinous) SYRAH 17: 91 WINE SPECTATOR SYRAH 17: 4 ½ stars PLATTER'S GUIDE SYRAH 17: 93 pts TIM ATKIN (MW) SYRAH 17: 90 pts NEAL MARTIN (Vinous) SYRAH 16: 91 pts NEAL MARTIN (Wine Advocate) SYRAH 16: 92 pts TIM ATKIN (MW) SYRAH 16: 4 ½ stars PLATTER'S GUIDE SYRAH 15: 91 pts WINE MAGAZINE SYRAH 15: 93 pts TIM ATKIN (MW) SYRAH 15: 4 ½ stars PLATTER'S GUIDE SYRAH 15: 93 pts NEAL MARTIN (Wine Advocate) SYRAH 14: 4 stars PLATTER'S GUIDE SYRAH 14: 94 pts TIM ATKIN (MW) SYRAH 14: 90 pts NEAL MARTIN (Wine Advocate) SYRAH 13: 93 pts TIM ATKIN (MW) SYRAH 13: 4 stars PLATTER GUIDE SYRAH 12: 95 pts (5 stars) DECANTER MAGAZINE SYRAH 12: 17 pts JANCIS ROBINSON SYRAH 12: 92 pts NEAL MARTIN (Wine Advocate) SYRAH 12: 94 pts TIM ATKIN (MW) SYRAH 12: MATTHEW JUKES WoW in Money week:"my top red wine from the recent South African expo ….""the greatest South African sensory experiences of my year "-  21 November 2014 SYRAH 12: 4 stars PLATTER GUIDE SYRAH 11: 91 pts NEAL MARTIN (Wine Advocate) SYRAH 10: 93 pts NEAL MARTIN (Wine Advocate) SYRAH 10: 92pts JAMES MOLESWORTH (Wine Spectator) SYRAH 10: 19/20 RENÉ GABRIEL SYRAH 10: 92pts PETER MOSER (Falstaff) SYRAH 10: 17.5pts JULIA HARDING (MW) (Jancis Robinson) SYRAH 09: 94 pts NEAL MARTIN (Wine Advocate) SYRAH 09: 91pts JAMES MOLESWORTH (Wine Spectator) SYRAH 09: 94pts PETER MOSER (Falstaff)
  • KEERMONT SYRAH is a blend of three different Syrah vineyard sites growing on Keermont Vineyards: Steepside Syrah: Growing on a North facing slope in deep, red clay-rich soils; this vineyard generally produces softer full bodied wines with rich, spicy flavours. Topside Syrah: An unirrigated west facing vineyard planted at 400m above sea level on rocky sandstone-based soil. Topside Syrah is usually an aromatic wine with a solid structure and high natural acid. Sweetwater Syrah: Situated in a rocky valley below the Fleurfontein spring, this is the coolest of the three Syrah sites and ripens the latest. Sweetwater Syrah is normally lighter and elegant in style with a herbal aroma. We add a small percentage of Mourvedre to this to bring some extra tannin structure and complexity. Vinification: All grapes used in producing our wines are grown on Keermont Vineyards. Small parcels 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 20 months maturing in seasoned 500 and 225 litre French oak barrels before being bottled by hand on 27 November 2019. We produced 13074 bottles and 98 magnums.  

    TASTING NOTE

    Keermont Syrah 2018 has a bright blood 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 exudes vibrant flavours of cherry and raspberry, complimented by savoury spice, and a vanilla note. A soft, but tight tannin structure and good natural acidity keep the flavours focused into a tidy succulent finish. Drink 2023-2033.  

    VINTAGE REPORT

    Despite prevailing drought conditions, 2018 was a very good growing season on Keermont. We had a fairly cold winter although it was drier than usual. Spring arrived quite early and the warm weather ensured an even budburst. We had some good rain showers during the season which allowed for the vines to grow sufficiently. These factors led to the formation of a healthy crop which ripened evenly. We had very notable diurnal temperature variation during this season (warm days and cool nights) which is responsible for good tannin, colour, and flavour development. Harvest started at the beginning of February and ran very smoothly. We processed 87 tons (13 varieties) in the Keermont winery over the period of seven weeks.  

    BLOCKS

    BLOCK
    VARIETY
    PLANTED
    YIELD
    %
    Steepside
    Syrah
    2005
    5.3 ton/Ha
    30%
    Steepside
    Syrah
    2009
    2.7 ton/Ha
    10%
    Topside
    Syrah
    2006
    5.6 ton/Ha
    30%
    Sweetwater
    Syrah
    2006
    14.6 ton/Ha
    19%
    Steepside
    Mourvèdre
    2009
    2.2 ton/Ha
    11%

    ANALYSIS

    Alc: 14.0 % pH: 3.66 TA: 5.2 g/L RS: 1.8 g/L TSO2: 51 mg/L VA: 0.72 g/L

    ACCOLADES

    SYRAH 19: 4 ½ stars PLATTER'S GUIDE SYRAH 19: 93 pts TIM ATKIN (MW) SYRAH 18: 4 ½ stars PLATTER'S GUIDE SYRAH 18: 93 pts TIM ATKIN (MW) SYRAH 18: 93 pts NEAL MARTIN (Vinous) SYRAH 17: 91 WINE SPECTATOR SYRAH 17: 4 ½ stars PLATTER'S GUIDE SYRAH 17: 93 pts TIM ATKIN (MW) SYRAH 17: 90 pts NEAL MARTIN (Vinous) SYRAH 16: 91 pts NEAL MARTIN (Wine Advocate) SYRAH 16: 92 pts TIM ATKIN (MW) SYRAH 16: 4 ½ stars PLATTER'S GUIDE SYRAH 15: 91 pts WINE MAGAZINE SYRAH 15: 93 pts TIM ATKIN (MW) SYRAH 15: 4 ½ stars PLATTER'S GUIDE SYRAH 15: 93 pts NEAL MARTIN (Wine Advocate) SYRAH 14: 4 stars PLATTER'S GUIDE SYRAH 14: 94 pts TIM ATKIN (MW) SYRAH 14: 90 pts NEAL MARTIN (Wine Advocate) SYRAH 13: 93 pts TIM ATKIN (MW) SYRAH 13: 4 stars PLATTER GUIDE SYRAH 12: 95 pts (5 stars) DECANTER MAGAZINE SYRAH 12: 17 pts JANCIS ROBINSON SYRAH 12: 92 pts NEAL MARTIN (Wine Advocate) SYRAH 12: 94 pts TIM ATKIN (MW) SYRAH 12: MATTHEW JUKES WoW in Money week:"my top red wine from the recent South African expo ….""the greatest South African sensory experiences of my year "-  21 November 2014 SYRAH 12: 4 stars PLATTER GUIDE SYRAH 11: 91 pts NEAL MARTIN (Wine Advocate) SYRAH 10: 93 pts NEAL MARTIN (Wine Advocate) SYRAH 10: 92pts JAMES MOLESWORTH (Wine Spectator) SYRAH 10: 19/20 RENÉ GABRIEL SYRAH 10: 92pts PETER MOSER (Falstaff) SYRAH 10: 17.5pts JULIA HARDING (MW) (Jancis Robinson) SYRAH 09: 94 pts NEAL MARTIN (Wine Advocate) SYRAH 09: 91pts JAMES MOLESWORTH (Wine Spectator) SYRAH 09: 94pts PETER MOSER (Falstaff)
  • Terrasse is our barrel fermented white blend which derives its name from the terraced vineyards leading up the mountains on the estate. We have six different white wine varieties planted on these terraces and every year we make up a unique blend depending on what the year gives us. The base is Chenin blanc from three distinctive vineyards - our 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 from our dryland vineyard ‘Uitkyk’ (planted in 1988) brings fresh acidity, and the drops of Roussanne, Marsanne, and Viognier give this vintage a slight spicy, aromatic lift. Small batches of grapes are selected according to ripeness, harvested by hand and vinified separately. Terrasse is fermented by indigenous yeast in seasoned French oak barrels and spends a further 12 months maturing on the lees. Bottling is carried out by hand with minimal fining and filtration.  

    TASTING NOTE

    The Terrasse 2022 has an inviting aroma with notes of spring flowers, ripe apricots and citrus, and a hint of fennel. The palate is soft and luscious, with lovely fresh acidity and an array of flavours: ripe apricot, peach and quince flavours complimented by richer more spicy savoury fruit. This follows into a lingering aftertaste with salty acidity. Drink 2023-2035.  

    VINTAGE REPORT

    2022 will go down as a very successful and plentiful vintage at Keermont. On paper it was a vintage of two halves. The first half of the season was very cool and wet. We recorded the wettest winter since starting to farm Keermont Vineyards in 2005! By Christmas time we could see that we had a lovely looking crop of grapes ripening on the healthy green vines. After Christmas the weather changed completely and we had a hot and dry run into harvest. The grapes, which we thought were going to be harvested late, ripened quickly under the healthy conditions. Harvest started on 1 February which is fairly normal for us. It quickly picked up tempo and before long we were going flat out picking grapes and processing in the cellar. We pressed our biggest vintage ever in the Keermont Winery: just over 90 tonnes of healthy, estate grown fruit!

    BLOCKS

    BLOCK
    VARIETY
    PLANTED
    YIELD
    %
    Low Road
    Chenin Blanc
    2007
    10.2 ton/Ha
    34%
    Bobbejaan
    Chenin Blanc
    2009
    2.9 ton/Ha
    12%
    Uitkyk
    Sauv Blanc
    1988
    2.7 ton/Ha
    14%
    Low Road
    Chardonnay
    2007
    7.0 ton/Ha
    15%
    Die Terrasse
    Chardonnay
    2009
    0.7 ton/Ha
    5%
    Cottage Lane
    Viognier
    2006
    9.2 ton/Ha
    8%
    Riverside
    Roussanne
    2014
    6.2 ton/Ha
    10%
    Riverside
    Marsanne
    2014
    7.5 ton/Ha
    2%

    ANALYSIS

    Chenin blanc 46%; Chardonnay 20%; Sauvignon blanc 14%; Roussanne 10%; Viognier 8% Marsanne 2% Alc: 13.5% pH: 3.32 TA: 5.2g/L RS: 2.2g/L TSO2: 78mg/L VA: 0.52g/L

    ACCOLADES

    TERRASSE 23: 5 stars PLATTER GUIDE TERRASSE 23: 90 pts NEAL MARTIN (VINOUS) TERRASSE 23: 93 pts TIM ATKIN (MW) TERRASSE 22: 4 ½ stars PLATTER GUIDE TERRASSE 22: 93 pts TIM ATKIN (MW) TERRASSE 22: 93 pts NEAL MARTIN (VINOUS) TERRASSE 21: 91 pts WINE SPECTATOR TERRASSE 21: 5 stars PLATTER GUIDE TERRASSE 21: 93 pts TIM ATKIN (MW) TERRASSE 21: 91 pts NEAL MARTIN (VINOUS) TERRASSE 20: 90 pts WINE SPECTATOR TERRASSE 20: 4 ½ stars PLATTER GUIDE TERRASSE 20: 90 pts NEAL MARTIN (VINOUS) TERRASSE 19: 91 pts WINE SPECTATOR TERRASSE 19: 94 pts NEAL MARTIN (VINOUS) TERRASSE 19: 93 pts TIM ATKIN (MW) TERRASSE 19: 95 pts CHRISTIAN EEDES (Wine Magazine) TERRASSE 19: 92 pts JAMES SUCKLING (MW) TERRASSE 19: 4 ½ stars PLATTER GUIDE TERRASSE 18: 94 pts TIM ATKIN (MW) TERRASSE 18: 92 pts NEAL MARTIN (VINOUS) TERRASSE 18: 93 pts CHRISTIAN EEDES (Wine Magazine) TERRASSE 18: 4 ½ stars PLATTER GUIDE 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
  • Terrasse is our barrel fermented white blend which derives its name from the terraced vineyards leading up the mountains on the estate. We have six different white wine varieties planted on these terraces and every year we make up a unique blend depending on what the year gives us. The base is Chenin blanc from three distinctive vineyards - our 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 from our dryland vineyard ‘Uitkyk’ (planted in 1988) brings fresh acidity, and the drops of Roussanne, Marsanne, and Viognier give this vintage a slight spicy, aromatic lift. Small batches of grapes are selected according to ripeness, harvested by hand and vinified separately. Terrasse is fermented by indigenous yeast in seasoned French oak barrels and spends a further 12 months maturing on the lees. Bottling is carried out by hand with minimal fining and filtration.  

    TASTING NOTE

    The Terrasse 2022 has an inviting aroma with notes of spring flowers, ripe apricots and citrus, and a hint of fennel. The palate is soft and luscious, with lovely fresh acidity and an array of flavours: ripe apricot, peach and quince flavours complimented by richer more spicy savoury fruit. This follows into a lingering aftertaste with salty acidity. Drink 2023-2035.  

    VINTAGE REPORT

    2022 will go down as a very successful and plentiful vintage at Keermont. On paper it was a vintage of two halves. The first half of the season was very cool and wet. We recorded the wettest winter since starting to farm Keermont Vineyards in 2005! By Christmas time we could see that we had a lovely looking crop of grapes ripening on the healthy green vines. After Christmas the weather changed completely and we had a hot and dry run into harvest. The grapes, which we thought were going to be harvested late, ripened quickly under the healthy conditions. Harvest started on 1 February which is fairly normal for us. It quickly picked up tempo and before long we were going flat out picking grapes and processing in the cellar. We pressed our biggest vintage ever in the Keermont Winery: just over 90 tonnes of healthy, estate grown fruit!

    BLOCKS

    BLOCK
    VARIETY
    PLANTED
    YIELD
    %
    Low Road
    Chenin Blanc
    2007
    10.2 ton/Ha
    34%
    Bobbejaan
    Chenin Blanc
    2009
    2.9 ton/Ha
    12%
    Uitkyk
    Sauv Blanc
    1988
    2.7 ton/Ha
    14%
    Low Road
    Chardonnay
    2007
    7.0 ton/Ha
    15%
    Die Terrasse
    Chardonnay
    2009
    0.7 ton/Ha
    5%
    Cottage Lane
    Viognier
    2006
    9.2 ton/Ha
    8%
    Riverside
    Roussanne
    2014
    6.2 ton/Ha
    10%
    Riverside
    Marsanne
    2014
    7.5 ton/Ha
    2%

    ANALYSIS

    Chenin blanc 46%; Chardonnay 20%; Sauvignon blanc 14%; Roussanne 10%; Viognier 8% Marsanne 2% Alc: 13.5% pH: 3.32 TA: 5.2g/L RS: 2.2g/L TSO2: 78mg/L VA: 0.52g/L

    ACCOLADES

    TERRASSE 23: 5 stars PLATTER GUIDE TERRASSE 23: 90 pts NEAL MARTIN (VINOUS) TERRASSE 23: 93 pts TIM ATKIN (MW) TERRASSE 22: 4 ½ stars PLATTER GUIDE TERRASSE 22: 93 pts TIM ATKIN (MW) TERRASSE 22: 93 pts NEAL MARTIN (VINOUS) TERRASSE 21: 91 pts WINE SPECTATOR TERRASSE 21: 5 stars PLATTER GUIDE TERRASSE 21: 93 pts TIM ATKIN (MW) TERRASSE 21: 91 pts NEAL MARTIN (VINOUS) TERRASSE 20: 90 pts WINE SPECTATOR TERRASSE 20: 4 ½ stars PLATTER GUIDE TERRASSE 20: 90 pts NEAL MARTIN (VINOUS) TERRASSE 19: 91 pts WINE SPECTATOR TERRASSE 19: 94 pts NEAL MARTIN (VINOUS) TERRASSE 19: 93 pts TIM ATKIN (MW) TERRASSE 19: 95 pts CHRISTIAN EEDES (Wine Magazine) TERRASSE 19: 92 pts JAMES SUCKLING (MW) TERRASSE 19: 4 ½ stars PLATTER GUIDE TERRASSE 18: 94 pts TIM ATKIN (MW) TERRASSE 18: 92 pts NEAL MARTIN (VINOUS) TERRASSE 18: 93 pts CHRISTIAN EEDES (Wine Magazine) TERRASSE 18: 4 ½ stars PLATTER GUIDE 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
  • Pondokrug - a ridge (rug) deriving its name from a shepherds hut (Pondok). High up on the West facing slopes of the Stellenbosch Mountain, this is a 1.8Ha parcel of Cabernet Franc planted in 2006. At an elevation of 380m above sea level and surrounded by mountain ‘fynbos’ vegetation, this block is exposed to many natural elements resulting in very low yields. The soil on Pondokrug is red granitic loam with a high clay content which sustains the vines during the summer months. These factors allow us to produce an intense wine with unique flavours and a solid tannin structure. All grapes used in producing our wines are grown All grapes used in producing this wine are grown on two small terraces of Pondokrug. These small parcels of grapes are harvested by hand at optimal ripeness and vinified separately. Fermentation is carried out by yeast which occurs naturally on the grape skins and in the winery. The wines spends three to four weeks fermenting and macerating on the skins in small open top tanks with one or two gentle ‘punch-downs’ performed per day. This wine spent 20 months maturing in seasoned 225 litre French oak barrels before being bottled by hand without filtration. 1370 bottles and 50 Magnums were produced.  

    TASTING NOTE

    The Pondokrug Cabernet Franc 2018 is bright blood red in colour. The nose is a deep, complex and intriguing mix of bright red cherry fruit, cloves, and some typical pyrazine character. The palate is firm and structured with subtle cherry and black current flavours with hints of herbal mountain vegetation (fynbos). The dusty, chalky tannins hold the fruit flavours into a long, succulent and dry finish. Drink 2024-2036.  

    VINTAGE REPORT

    Despite prevailing drought conditions, 2018 was a very good growing season on Keermont. We had a fairly cold winter although it was drier than usual. Spring arrived quite early and the warm weather ensured an even budburst. We had some good rain showers during the season which allowed for the vines to grow sufficiently. These factors led to the formation of a healthy crop which ripened evenly. We had very notable diurnal temperature variation during this season (warm days and cool nights) which is responsible for good tannin, colour, and flavour development. Harvest started at the beginning of February and ran very smoothly. We processed 87 tons (13 varieties) in the Keermont winery over the period of seven weeks.  

    ANALYSIS

    Alc: 15.0 % pH: 3.50 TA: 6.0 g/L RS: 1.7 g/L TSO2: 24 mg/L VA: 0.95 g/L

    ACCOLADES

    PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 19: 4 stars PLATTER GUIDE PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 19: 94 pts TIM ATKIN (MW) PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 18: 4 stars PLATTER GUIDE PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 18: 94 pts TIM ATKIN (MW) PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 18: 93 pts NEAL MARTIN (VINOUS) PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 17: 4 ½ stars PLATTER GUIDE PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 17: 94 pts TIM ATKIN (MW) PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 17: 90 pts NEAL MARTIN (VINOUS) PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 17: 90 pts WINE SPECTATOR PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 16: 94 pts TIM ATKIN (MW) PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 16: 91 pts NEAL MARTIN (VINOUS) PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 16: 94 pts WINE MAGAZINE PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 16: 4 ½ stars PLATTER GUIDE PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 15: 96 pts TIM ATKIN (MW) PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 15: 4 ½ star PLATTER GUIDE PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 15: 90 pts NEAL MARTIN PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 14: 92 pts NEAL MARTIN (Wine Advocate) PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 14: 94 pts TIM ATKIN (MW) PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 14: 4 stars PLATTER GUIDE
  • A six bottle case of Pondokrug Cabernet Franc 2016 from our vinotheque.

    ACCOLADES

    PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 19: 94 pts TIM ATKIN (MW) PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 18: 4 stars PLATTER GUIDE PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 18: 94 pts TIM ATKIN (MW) PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 18: 93 pts NEAL MARTIN (VINOUS) PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 17: 4 ½ stars PLATTER GUIDE PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 17: 94 pts TIM ATKIN (MW) PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 17: 90 pts NEAL MARTIN (VINOUS) PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 17: 90 pts WINE SPECTATOR PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 16: 94 pts TIM ATKIN (MW) PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 16: 91 pts NEAL MARTIN (VINOUS) PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 16: 94 pts WINE MAGAZINE PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 16: 4 ½ stars PLATTER GUIDE PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 15: 96 pts TIM ATKIN (MW) PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 15: 4 ½ star PLATTER GUIDE PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 15: 90 pts NEAL MARTIN PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 14: 92 pts NEAL MARTIN (Wine Advocate) PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 14: 94 pts TIM ATKIN (MW) PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 14: 4 stars PLATTER GUIDE
  • A six bottle case of Pondokrug Cabernet Franc 2017 from our vinotheque.

    ACCOLADES

    PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 19: 94 pts TIM ATKIN (MW) PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 18: 4 stars PLATTER GUIDE PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 18: 94 pts TIM ATKIN (MW) PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 18: 93 pts NEAL MARTIN (VINOUS) PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 17: 4 ½ stars PLATTER GUIDE PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 17: 94 pts TIM ATKIN (MW) PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 17: 90 pts NEAL MARTIN (VINOUS) PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 17: 90 pts WINE SPECTATOR PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 16: 94 pts TIM ATKIN (MW) PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 16: 91 pts NEAL MARTIN (VINOUS) PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 16: 94 pts WINE MAGAZINE PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 16: 4 ½ stars PLATTER GUIDE PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 15: 96 pts TIM ATKIN (MW) PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 15: 4 ½ star PLATTER GUIDE PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 15: 90 pts NEAL MARTIN PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 14: 92 pts NEAL MARTIN (Wine Advocate) PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 14: 94 pts TIM ATKIN (MW) PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 14: 4 stars PLATTER GUIDE
  • Pondokrug - a ridge (rug) deriving its name from a shepherds hut (Pondok). High up on the West facing slopes of the Stellenbosch Mountain, this is a 1.8Ha parcel of Cabernet Franc planted in 2006. At an elevation of 380m above sea level and surrounded by mountain ‘fynbos’ vegetation, this block is exposed to many natural elements resulting in very low yields. The soil on Pondokrug is red granitic loam with a high clay content which sustains the vines during the summer months. These factors allow us to produce an intense wine with unique flavours and a solid tannin structure. All grapes used in producing our wines are grown All grapes used in producing this wine are grown on two small terraces of Pondokrug. These small parcels of grapes are harvested by hand at optimal ripeness and vinified separately. Fermentation is carried out by yeast which occurs naturally on the grape skins and in the winery. The wines spends three to four weeks fermenting and macerating on the skins in small open top tanks with one or two gentle ‘punch-downs’ performed per day. This wine spent 20 months maturing in seasoned 225 litre French oak barrels before being bottled by hand without filtration. 1370 bottles and 50 Magnums were produced.  

    TASTING NOTE

    The Pondokrug Cabernet Franc 2018 is bright blood red in colour. The nose is a deep, complex and intriguing mix of bright red cherry fruit, cloves, and some typical pyrazine character. The palate is firm and structured with subtle cherry and black current flavours with hints of herbal mountain vegetation (fynbos). The dusty, chalky tannins hold the fruit flavours into a long, succulent and dry finish. Drink 2024-2036.  

    VINTAGE REPORT

    Despite prevailing drought conditions, 2018 was a very good growing season on Keermont. We had a fairly cold winter although it was drier than usual. Spring arrived quite early and the warm weather ensured an even budburst. We had some good rain showers during the season which allowed for the vines to grow sufficiently. These factors led to the formation of a healthy crop which ripened evenly. We had very notable diurnal temperature variation during this season (warm days and cool nights) which is responsible for good tannin, colour, and flavour development. Harvest started at the beginning of February and ran very smoothly. We processed 87 tons (13 varieties) in the Keermont winery over the period of seven weeks.  

    ANALYSIS

    Alc: 15.0 % pH: 3.50 TA: 6.0 g/L RS: 1.7 g/L TSO2: 24 mg/L VA: 0.95 g/L

    ACCOLADES

    PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 19: 4 stars PLATTER GUIDE PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 19: 94 pts TIM ATKIN (MW) PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 18: 4 stars PLATTER GUIDE PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 18: 94 pts TIM ATKIN (MW) PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 18: 93 pts NEAL MARTIN (VINOUS) PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 17: 4 ½ stars PLATTER GUIDE PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 17: 94 pts TIM ATKIN (MW) PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 17: 90 pts NEAL MARTIN (VINOUS) PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 17: 90 pts WINE SPECTATOR PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 16: 94 pts TIM ATKIN (MW) PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 16: 91 pts NEAL MARTIN (VINOUS) PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 16: 94 pts WINE MAGAZINE PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 16: 4 ½ stars PLATTER GUIDE PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 15: 96 pts TIM ATKIN (MW) PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 15: 4 ½ star PLATTER GUIDE PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 15: 90 pts NEAL MARTIN PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 14: 92 pts NEAL MARTIN (Wine Advocate) PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 14: 94 pts TIM ATKIN (MW) PONDOKRUG CAB FRANC 14: 4 stars PLATTER GUIDE