Keermont Syrah is a blend of three different Syrah vineyard sites growing on Keermont Vineyards - Steepside Syrah: Growing on a North facing slope in deep, red clay-rich soils; Topside Syrah: An unirrigated west facing vineyard planted at 400m above sea level on rocky sandstone-based soil; and Sweetwater Syrah: Situated in a rocky valley below the Fleurfontein spring. The 2016 vintage was a challenging one for the vineyard team. It started with moderate winter temperatures and below average rainfall. Spring came early and was also relatively warm and dry and irrigation started earlier than usual. The weather continued to warm up towards Christmas with average maximum temperatures of 30°C and 35°C for December and January respectively. Fortunately, rain during December pepped the vines up leading into the critical ‘veraison’ period. This is when the berries change colour and begin to ripen and enter a high water-demand period. With all of the hot, dry weather the grapes ripened quickly, and harvesting was started earlier than ever before (19 January). Small parcels of grapes are specifically 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 20 months maturing in seasoned 500 and 225-litre French oak barrels before being bottled by hand without filtration on 9 November 2017. 12,605 bottles and 158 magnums were produced. Bottled at 14.5%. (Bottle size 750ml)

Nose: An enchanting bouquet of lavender, cherries, cloves, and vanilla.

Palate: Elegant and soft with dark strawberry and cherry flavours and hints of citrus rind, herbs, and vanilla. The tannins are light, but firm.

Finish: A long rich savoury finish. 

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