Keermont White Blend Terrasse 2011 is made from 88% Chenin Blanc, 7% Chardonnay, 5% Viognier

The KEERMONT TERRASSE 2010 was our maiden release white blend. It derives its name from the terraced vineyards from which the grapes are harvested. The backbone of the blend is Chenin blanc and this is complimented by small portions of Chardonnay and Viognier. Total production was just six barrels yielding 1575 bottles. All grapes used in producing this wine were grown on Keermont Vineyards. Small parcels of grapes were specifically selected, harvested by hand and were gently and naturally vinified. The wine was fermented and then spent a further 11 months maturing on the lees in French oak barrels. Bottling was carried out by hand without filtration, so if you are lucky you may find a little lees in the bottom of your bottle.

The 2011 White Blend Terrasse is 60% Chenin Blanc, 20% Chardonnay and for the first time, 15% Sauvignon Blanc from an old block on the farm with a little barrel ferment, plus 5% Viognier. As usual it is raised in used barrels. It displays wonderful precision on the nose with subtle notes of pink grapefruit, dew-speckled pear, peach and a touch of lanolin. It has great clarity on the entry, the oak well defined with great weight and a smooth harmonious orange zest and dried apricot tinged finish. This is one classy Stellenbosch white to cherish. Drink now-2018.-eRobertParker.com #204 Dec 2012 93 Points

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.-Robert Parker

Lush, opulent and inviting, offering creamed peach, melon and heather notes lined with toasted hazelnut and warm pie-crust accents. Stays focused and defined, with a long, alluring finish. Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier. Drink now through 2014. 145 cases made. –JM Wine Spectator 91 Points

Bright gold-tinged yellow. Sexy, high-toned aromas of orange blossom, honey, spices, toast and lees; I get a hint of
noble rot. Then rich, spicy and generous on the palate, with peach and spice flavors conveying a strong
impression of dusty extract. This distinctly dry, substantial wine shows good energy and incipient complexity,
closing with a honeyed aftertaste. 90 Point Steven Tanzer

The Keermont Estate and Vineyards

Located just beyond Stellenbosch, Keermont Vineyards is nestled in farm land in the beautiful valleys of South Africa. Keermont uses their name to honor the former farm, Keerweder, that once occupied their land. The word “keerweder” means a dead end in a valley. The literal translation is “blocked again”, which is in reference to the early settlers being blocked by the terrain when trying to pass through the valley.

The Keermont winery building and vineyards actually lie in the shadow of Guardian Peak, or “Suurberg”. This location is ideal for Keermont, as the fruit on this mountain is often compared to the grapes of Napa Valley’s famous Howell Mountain AVA.

In 1694, Jan Jac Van Dyk founded the land in the Blaawklippen Valley that is the location of present day Keermont. Other wineries such as Waterford, Dornier, and Stellenzicht are also on the land once owned by Van Dyk. The earliest account of a European landowner utilizing the area for agricultural use are Van Dyk’s records. Afterwards, the potential and beauty of the Blaawklippen Valley attracted many other landowners to the area and the land was divided into individual farms.

Mark and Monica Wraith bought into this land by purchasing the Fleurfontein and Keerweder III farms in 2003. They combined the two farms into the Keermont Vineyards Estate. The couple still live on the Keermont land with their family. Alex Starey is the Keermont winemaker. In 2005, Keermont began a major vineyard planting program and it now holds 27 ha under vine. In 2007, Keermont releases its first vintage, from a crop of only 5 barrels or 108 cases. In 2010, the physical Keermont winery building, complete with offices, processing facilities, barrel rooms, and a tasting room, was converted from the former spring water bottling plant that had once resided on the Fleurfontein farm. The total farm acreage for Keermont Vineyards is 157 hectares or 388 acres, with 27 hectares under vine. 18 hectares produce red varietals such as Cabernet Savignon, Merlot, and Syrah. 9 hectares hold the white varietals like Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, and Viognier. Keermont also boasts Chenin Blanc vines that are over forty years old and used by De Trafford winery. Keermont aims to create wines that reflect their beautiful land and the particular year’s vintage condition. Keermont focuses on using minimal chemical fertilizers, few pesticides, and irrigate as little as possible. No fining or filtration is practiced on the Keermont Estate. Keermont desires a natural, harmonious vineyard that will in the long run produce better quality wines.

The goal of this estate is to make superior blends. The wines to be produced, but not written in stone, are:
Keermont Red – 40 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 20% Syrah.
Keermont White – 70% Chenin Blanc, 30% Viognier and Chardonnay
Dessert wine in exceptional vintages

Keermont Syrah – Syrah, Mourvedre, Viognier

Some wines from Keermont Winery:

• Keermont Red Blend
• Keermont Syrah
• Keermont White Blend Terrasse

Any Keermont wines we have in stock are listed below, if you don’t see the wine you are looking for please don’t hesitate to ask for it.