Modern, Post-War and Contemporary Art, Decorative Arts and Wine
Online-Only Auction, 22 - 29 March 2021
Wine: Cape Heritage
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
About this Item
In all the winelands of the world, old vines get proudly mentioned on labels, in many languages. Such is the value everywhere accorded to old vineyards and the wines they produce. But only in one country, South Africa, is it possible for that claim to be certified by the regulatory authority. Here, members of the Old Vine Project (OVP) can now put a Certified Heritage Vineyards (CHV) seal on bottles of wine made from vineyards of 35 years or older, together with the planting date. This is a guarantee to the consumer of authentic wines grown according to the OVP viticultural and winemaking guidelines.
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.
Planted in 1971, Riverside Chenin blanc is the oldest vineyard on Keermont. Soils on the banks of the upper Blaauwklippen River, in which the vines are planted, vary from sandy alluvial plains with river stone to red clay loam as one moves away from the river. This patchy old vineyard, at an elevation of 250m, delivers very low yields of incredible quality fruit year in and year out. Like the old vines from which it is made, this wine has great complexity and character with quiet intensity.
Critics Ratings
'Even though it comes from an old block, planted as long ago as 1971, this is the first release of this wine under a Keermont label, as it used to go to De Trafford. Apple pie and honey flavours are embellished with old wood and a savoury, leesy finish. A brilliant début. 2019-27'- Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2018, 95/100
'Subtly oaked 2017 offers early complexity, with dried peach & earthy undertone. Fine integration of acid with fruit for lively & compelling full, sweet flavour (but bone-dry). No 2016. Also in magnum.' - Platter's SA Wine Guide 2020, 4.5* (94/100)
'The 2017 Riverside Chenin Blanc comes from the oldest block on the farm, planted in 1972. It was fermented in a combination of new and seasoned French oak barrels and then spent a further 12 months maturing on the lees. It has a fragrant bouquet of yellow flowers, honeysuckle, Cornice pear and light stony aromas. The palate is well balanced with satisfying weight on the entry. I appreciate the waxy texture here and the pithiness toward the finish; hints of sour lemon, sherbet and light ginger/rhubarb appear on the aftertaste. Enjoy this Chenin over the next decade.'- Neal Martin, Vinous, 93/100
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