"Alex told me that a storm deprived them of 40-50% of the Syrah crop, which ended up concentrating the wine. Just eight barrels were produced of the 2010 Syrah, which includes a new high altitude vineyard that may be bottled separately in the future. It has an intriguing bouquet that demands coaxing from the glass. It is worth the wait, for eventually you are rewarded with blackberry, iodine, mint and fresh prune that is exotic and yet very well defined. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp, tight-wound tannins. There is a touch of spice infusing the dark plum fruit, the used oak remaining well behaved in the background and allowing the fruit to express itself. It offers an enticing bitter edge on the finish that compels you to take another sip. Drink 2013-2020. Keermont was one of the most impressive Stellenbosch wines that I encountered during my trip last year – once I could entice winemaker Alex Starey away from his surfboard. Fortunately, when not riding waves he continues to find time making his superb wines."
eRobertParker.com (Neil Martin, Issue# 204, December 2012), 93 pts
"Good dark ruby-red. Captivating if restrained aromas of blackberry, smoked meat, pepper and herbs. Not especially fleshy but spicy and aromatic in the mouth, with a black fruit confiture flavor complicated by a touch of dried berries. Still rather youthfully tight, finishing with substantial dusty tannins and lingering perfume."
"A dark, engaging, juicy style, with lots of blackberry, bramble, crushed plum and singed anise notes. This is layered with toast and espresso, displaying drive and sharp definition. Drink now through 2016.—J.M."
"A ripe, lush style, with warm raspberry, boysenberry and blackberry confiture flavors gushing forth, backed by black licorice and singed apple wood notes. Has the spine for balance, but this is aimed at the fruit-bomb crowd. Drink now through 2020. 466 cases made."
"Dark red. Pungent aromas of dark raspberry, anise, herbs and spices, plus a whiff of Tellicherry peppercorn. Juicy, leanish and a bit youthfully imploded, with a strong licorice and herb quality continuing through the palate. There's some varietal character here but in a distinctly dry style, finishing with firm, dusty tannins. I wanted more sweetness of fruit and give. This needs time but will the fruit outlast the tannins?- Stephen Tanzer"
