Keermont Cabernet Sauvignon, Stellenbosch '21

Tucked high in the Upper Blaauwklippen Valley of Stellenbosch, Keermont Vineyards is one of South Africa’s top artisanal estates. Founded by Mark and Monica Wraith in 2003, the farm sits on a dramatic amphitheater of granite and sandstone slopes between the Helderberg and Stellenbosch mountains. Just 30 hectares are planted amidst 200 hectares of rugged fynbos and rocky hillsides, all farmed with minimal intervention under the steady hand of winemaker Alex Starey, who has quietly built Keermont into one of the Cape’s most respected boutique producers. Each wine is made and bottled on the property, with a total production that rarely exceeds 5,000 cases per year.

The Keermont Cabernet Sauvignon grows in the Cottage Lane vineyard, on the midslopes of the Helderberg Mountain. This vineyard is on the crest of a ridge, at 320 meters above sea level. Its various aspects help Keermont produce a fine-grained Cabernet, while the clay soils helping yield wines of power, tension, and fresh acidity. The wine contains about 8% Cabernet Franc, adding to the complexity of flavors and tannin structure.

Small batches of grapes are selected according to ripeness, harvested by hand, and vinified separately. This process is carried out gently and naturally in open-top fermenters using traditional methods only. This wine spent 21 months maturing in seasoned French oak barriques before being bottled by hand and aged in the cellar for 20 months before release.

The nose offers notes of ripe red berry fruit, cassis, dry earth, cocoa, baking spices, and fresh herbs. On the palate, the tannins are firmly structured, and the acidity balances the ripe fruit flavors on the long finish. Pair it with braised meats, lamb chops, or a favorite burger.