‘If you want to see the new South Africa and catch a glimpse of what the future beholds, then look no further than Keermont.’ – Neal Martin
Keermont is ‘one of the finest producers in Stellenbosch’, notes Neal Martin. Considered a First Growth by Tim Atkin MW, the estate is situated in the breathtaking Upper Blaauwklippen Valley and is home to some of the region’s most sought-after parcels of Syrah and Chenin.
From vines planted in 1971, the double 94-point Riverside Chenin Blanc 2021 is ‘elegant’, ‘impressive’ and ‘superb’ (Neal Martin). The minerality, concentrated stone fruit and grippy texture shine through, making it a must for every Chenin fanatic.
The high-altitude, single-vineyard Syrahs have been Keermont’s calling card for over a decade. Their 96-point Topside Syrah 2019 is brimming with spice, pepper, dark fruit and black olives, framed by fine, chiselled tannins. ‘If Topside is Alex Starey’s Côte Rôtie, then Steepside is his Cornas,’ says Tim Atkin. The 95-point Steepside Syrah 2019 comes from the oldest north-facing plot planted in 2005. It’s remarkably fresh and brooding, with deep fruit and powerful tannins. ‘This certainly needs time, but it will be worth the wait,’ enthuses Martin.
‘Alex Starey’s excellent Cabernet Franc doesn’t always get the praise it deserves,’ says Atkin. The 94-point Pondokrug Cabernet Franc 2019 is layered, complex and downright delicious. Sourced from a high-altitude, clay-rich site, it offers an ethereal expression of the variety, with dense fruit and classic leafy undertones that we love. If you’re looking to impress at the dinner table, this is for you.
Keermont must be SA’s most under-the-radar winery. With everything grown, produced and bottled on the farm, their single-vineyards offer a special and hedonistic drinking experience. Produced in minute quantities, the wines are held back for later release to ensure you get the utmost enjoyment from the get-go.
Tasting Notes:
Keermont Riverside Chenin Blanc 2021
‘Drawing fruit from a low-yielding parcel planted in 1971, with picking in different stages to maximise complexity, this has layers of wax and lanolin, good depth and intensity, lots of old vine concentration and flavours of stone fruit and citrus. Mineral and intense.’ – Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2024, 94/100
‘They’re both extremely good, but, as I did in 2018, I have a slight preference for Keermont’s Topside Syrah over its Steepside bottling in 2019. Spicy, peppery and more northern Rhône like, this partners aromas of cracked pepper, dried herbs and steak tartare with a palate of blackberry, black olive and wild thyme framed by beautifully judged, savoury tannins.’ – Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2024, 96/100
‘Steepside hails from a warmer, north-facing site on cooler clay soils. Fermented with 15% whole clusters, it’s a superb single parcel Syrah from Alex Starey, with supple, fleshy tannins, aromas of rosemary and fynbos, fig and blackberry flavours and some meaty reduction. Fresher and more focused than it seems as first.’ – Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2024, 95/100
Keermont Pondokrug Cabernet Franc 2019
‘Alex Starey’s excellent Cabernet Franc doesn’t always get the praise it deserves, such is the reputation of his top Syrahs. Sourced from a clay rich site at 400 metres, it’s a rich, dense, layered expression of the variety with some underlying freshness, some whole bunch spices, layers of graphite, green pepper and black cherry and a leafy undertone.’ – Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report, 94/100
