When you think of the greatest wines coming out of Stellenbosch today, Keet First Verse has to be among them. Few producers devote themselves to a single wine, but this is Chris Keet’s pursuit of perfection. The 2022 offers pure hedonistic enjoyment.
With 96 points from Christian Eedes and 95 points from Platter’s, the latest release is a charming, powerful wine with deep fruit and fine tannins. There’s a sense of nostalgia when tasting the 2022, evoking everything we love about Bordeaux-style blends.
Though drinking superbly now, we’ve seen First Verse age beautifully and it always earns a place in the top 10 for Winemag’s 10-year Report. The wine is predominantly Cabernet Franc, combined with Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Chris compares the blending of these components to the harmony of an orchestra building to a crescendo.
Tasting Notes:
‘A blend of 36% Cabernet Franc, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 10% Malbec and 7% Petit Verdot, it was matured for 19 months in barrel, 15% new. or 19 months in barrel, 15% new. The nose shows red and black berries, rose, tobacco, herbs, vanilla, pencil shavings and oak spice. The palate is full-bodied but never cumbersome, structured and self-possessed. Succulent fruit is matched by vibrant acidity and firm, fine-grained tannins, the finish long and dry without a hint of astringency. A wine of impeccable balance.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 96/100 | Classic
‘Consistent, exceptional Cape Bordeaux off select Stellenbosch sites giving fleshy black fruit, bright acidity, tight fine tannins. 2022 curated into statuesque, cellarworthy form with touch more cab franc than cab, merlot than malbec vs 2021 (96 pts)’s near-equal cabs, more malbec than merlot; dab petit verdot in both. Usual 18 months oak, 15% new, for judicious support; in-sync 14.5% alc.’ – Platter’s Guide, 5*(95/100)
