Critics Ratings

‘Ask winemakers in the Cape and they’ll all tell you that Chris Keet is a quietly spoken legend who makes one of the best Bordeaux blends in the country. This judicious cuvée of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and a little Petit Verdot is polished and assured. Showing the freshness of the cooler vintage, it has Margaux-like finesse, perfume and detail with pure fruit focus and velvety tannins. 2021-34’ - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2018, 96/100

‘Merlot-led 5-way Bordeaux blend 2014 raises the bar on riper, cab-based 2013 (4 stars, 88 pts). More refined elegance than power, subtle berry fruit & pencil shavings threaded with fine-grained tannins. Understated, all components in place for graceful development.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2019, 4.5* (92/100)

‘The First Verse 2014 is a blend of 30% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Cabernet Franc, 16% Malbec and 3% Petit Verdot, alcohol 14.5%, matured in oak for 20 months. The nose shows black and blue fruit, some earthiness , toasty oak and smoky reduction while the palate is dense and forceful – plenty of sweet fruit and smooth in texture. This is a far cry from the supremely elegant Cordoba Crescendo that winemaker Chris Keet used to make in yesteryear.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 90/100 (Jul 2019)

Provenance

Wine Cellar Private Client