Provenance

Producer

Critics Ratings

'Cassis, fresh herbs and cigar box on the nose. The palate is full bodied with fresh acidity and firm but not coarse tannins. An upright wine with good structure- succulent fruit upfront, the finish log and dry.' - WINEMAG.co.za 10-Year-Old Wine Report 2024, 93/100

‘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)