2012 Vintage theme
Online-Only Auction, 7 - 14 March 2022
2012 Vintage theme
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About this Item
Straddled between the Stellenbosch and Helderberg mountains, with less than 30 hectares of scattered high-altitude vineyards, Keermont was started by the Wraith family in 2003 and was formed by combining 2 adjacent farms. Relaxed yet quality-focused Alex Starey has been in charge of the wines since redevelopment and planting in 2005, producing the maiden 2007.
The comparative altitude of these isolated vineyards is well suited to a floral, silky, pepper-spiced, Rhône-style of Syrah. Blending 2 different Syrah vineyards (Topside and Steepside) on the farm, the 2012 vintage was their finest to date, achieving top scores at every tasting. It was placed just behind Chave and Mullineux out of 37 of the world's top Syrahs by Christian Eedes, scoring it 95 points. And Matthew Jukes named it his top SA red from his visit to the Cape in 2014, calling his tasting of the Keermont wines his "greatest South African sensory experiences of the year".
Provenance
Producer
Critics Ratings
'It has a well-defined, feminine, floral bouquet with black cherries, cassis and crushed-violet scents that blossoms in the glass. The palate is very well-defined with crisp acidity and a beautifully poised finish that is focused and sensual. This is another outstanding wine from Alex Starey. Keermont's wines are so good that they make you wonder why you ever lavished all that money on expensive northern Rhones!' - Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, 92/100
'If you have to choose, then use nefarious tactics to horde this Syrah - it is simply mind-blowing from the molecular aromatic flirtation when you come into its range to its palate ravishing flavour when you are knee deep in its joys. This is an inky and powerful wine, with a splash of Mourvèdre at its core, and yet it has more levity and poise than anything I have tasted this year out of the Rhône. Winemaker Alex Starey has been on my radar since he released his first Keermont wines a few years ago and I have had my laser-sights on him ever since. This is a game changing portfolio of wines.' - Matthew Jukes, MoneyWeek 2014
'Blended with 5% Mourvèdre for the first time in 2012, this delicious Syrah comes from two blocks, one north-facing the other at higher elevation. That’s what explains the freshness of the wine, despite the high alcohol, made with no new oak and 20% stems added back. Bright and pepper spicy with gloriously meaty undertones. Drink: 2014-20' - Tim Atkin SA Wine Report 2014, 94/100
'Sweet, dense, black fruit and leafy spice – earthy with a sweet cranberry lift. Palate has fine balance, textural complexity and spicy, red apple, plum and forest fruit complexity. Spicy, peppery and intense – Cornas style. Remarkable concentration. Meaty and long, dense and compact; a wine with soul.. Drinking window 2015-2022' - Decanter Magazine Panel 2016, 95/100
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