Deep ruby red color. Ripe red fruit and liqueur cherry aromas are complimented by classic dusty herb and thatch notes. The palate is dense, but soft. The wine shows good weight with dusty savory fruit character. Chalky tannins and good natural acid help to maintain a fresh elegance and a long, succulent dry finish.
Red meat, pasta and pizza.
"Reflecting the heat spikes of the 2020 vintage, this is the fuller bodied of the two current Merlot releases from Keermont. Sweet, ripe and concentrated, it has notes of mulberry and raspberry jam, textured, supple tannins and deftly integrated older oak. 2024-30"
- Tim Atkin (South Africa 2023 Report), 90 pts
"Alex Starey combines grapes from hillside and valley floor parcels to produce this well balanced, nicely understated Stellenbosch Merlot. Mint and cut grass aromas segue into a palate of plum and red pepper, fresh acidity and firm, spicy tannins. A wine that overdelivers at the price. 2024-29"
- Tim Atkin (South Africa 2023 Report), 91 pts
"The 2018 Merlot has an almost understated nose at first, opening with raspberry coulis and blueberry scents, then a touch of violet petals. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, a dash of white pepper and an almost Syrah-like finish. This is an excellent Merlot, especially considering how so many succumb to overripeness."
- Antonio Galloni's Vinous (November 2021), 90 pts
"It says Merlot on the label, but this is always a blend with other varieties - 14% Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec in the case of the 2017. Serious and intense, with appealing depth and grip, a core of bramble and raspberry fruit, a hint of oak spice and plenty of structure and concentration. 2022-29"
- Tim Atkin (South Africa 2020 Report), 92 pts
“Minty with fynbos nuances on the nose, aromas of sage and fern waft out of the glass of the 2016 Merlot, with a focus on plum and dark berry tones with soft oak spices. The palate is expressive with a soft smoky tone and espresso bean that lingers through to the mid-palate, showing a focused structure, energetic acidity and balanced tannins. Medium to full-bodied, the wine is focused and lingers long with precision and subtle green flavors. This is a delicious Merlot. – Anthony Mueller"
- Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, March 2020), 90 pts
"It says Merlot on the label, but there’s also some Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot in the blend here, bringing some backbone and freshness. Floral and quite forward, this is sappy and fine with filigree tannins, stylish oak and tangy acidity. 2018-23"
- Tim Atkin (South Africa 2017 Special Report), 91 pts
"Medium red. Slightly high-toned aromas of redcurrant, plum, tobacco, peppery herbs and woodsmoke. Similarly a bit herbal, even tart, in the mouth but this is a smooth, easygoing Merlot with early appeal. Finishes with a fine dusting of tannins and lingering red berry and herb notes but lacks the depth for a higher score. - Stephen Tanzer"
- Vinous (May 2017), 87 pts
Keermont Vineyards is a family-owned farm located in a back valley outside of Stellenbosch, ZA. The name comes from Keerweder, which is the name of the former farm. A keerweder ...
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