Keermont Stellenbosch Merlot 2020

Keermont Vineyards is a family owned estate in South Africa’s Stellenbosch region, situated in a natural amphitheater between the Helderberg and Stellenbosch mountains. Mark and Monica Wraith purchased two adjoining farms in 2003 and began redeveloping the vineyards in 2005, releasing their first commercial vintage in 2007. Winemaker and vineyard manager Alex Starey has been involved since the estate’s early development and oversees both viticulture and winemaking. Keermont produces wines exclusively from estate grown grapes, with a focus on expressing the character of its individual vineyard sites.

The vineyards lie between 250 and 400 meters above sea level, on varied slopes with predominantly deep, red clay rich soils derived from sandstone and granite. Surrounded by indigenous vegetation, the estate follows sustainable farming practices, minimizing chemical fertilizers, pesticides and irrigation while encouraging natural vineyard balance. The different elevations, exposures and soil types allow the family to produce wines with distinctive characteristics from individual parcels.

The 2020 Stellenbosch Merlot is a blend of 90% merlot, 6% cabernet franc and 4% malbec. The merlot comes from two estate vineyards: High Road, with heavier clay and rocky soils at 330 meters, and Homestead, with lighter loamy soils at 260 meters. Grapes are harvested by hand in small batches, with each parcel fermented separately using indigenous yeasts in open top fermenters. The wine undergoes élevage for 19 months in seasoned French oak barriques before being bottled by hand without filtration. The use of previously filled barrels allows the wine to develop complexity and texture without pronounced new oak flavors.

The wine opens with aromas of ripe cherries, plum and strawberry, accompanied by notes of dried herbs, tobacco and cinnamon. On the palate, it combines generous red and dark fruit with a supple texture, fine chalky tannins and refreshing natural acidity. The finish is long and savory, with lingering hints of spice, orange rind and earthy herbs.