Made from 39% Cabernet Franc, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Malbec, 6% Merlot and 6% Petit Verdot. Grapes for the First Verse 2021 were sourced from meticulously selected vineyards across the amphitheatre of mountains surrounding Stellenbosch, including the Helderberg, Simonsberg, Stellenbosch Mountain, and Polkadraai slopes. These sites were chosen for their unique contributions to aromatic complexity, tannin structure and texture. The 2021 vintage was marked by a cold, wet winter followed by a cool, stable ripening season, allowing for excellent phenolic development. Fermentation occurred on the skins to optimise colour and tannin extraction, followed by 19 months of maturation in the finest French oak barrels. Each varietal was vinified and aged separately before blending. Residual Sugar 2.0 g/L. Bottled at 14.5%. (Bottle size 750ml)

Nose: Aromas of ripe mulberry, blackberry, cassis, and plum are underscored by hints of red cherry, cedarwood, and subtle clove spice, delivering a layered and expressive bouquet.

Palate: The palate opens with dark fruit depth—cassis, black cherry and mulberry—interwoven with notes of plum, graphite, and red berries. Savoury undertones of tobacco leaf and dried herbs emerge as the wine evolves in the glass.

Finish: The tannins are fine-grained yet firmly structured, framed by lively red berry acidity that lends freshness. A long, resonant finish echoes with cassis, baking spice and a touch of smoky oak, underscoring the wine’s poise and ageing potential.

The Keet Wines cellar is located in South Africa’s Stellenbosch wine region, on the Van Biljon’s farm near De Toren. Chris Keet started Keet Wines in 2008, following a 15 year stint at Cordoba wines, up against the slopes of the Helderberg, having made and perfected the beautiful, Cabernet Franc dominant Cordoba Crescendo. Chris Keet is a somewhat elusive figure in the wine industry, although is part of the foundation of some of the biggest and most successful brands in South Africa today. With the incredible trajectory of his First Verse - the only wine in the Keet Wines portfolio - he has quickly been catapulted into the limelight. Chris is both viticulturist AND winemaker. His fundamental understanding of both areas led him to the belief that the things winemakers had been ‘tweaking’ in the cellar, could easily be tweaked in the vineyard. It is Chris’ philosophy that the art of viticulture and winemaking lies in the focus, attention to detail and precision nurturing of vine and wine.

RED WINE RED BLENDS