Keermont aims to create a range of wines that reflect the beautiful places from which they are grown, and in particular reflect the years vintage conditions. The wines are generally made as naturally as possible with very little irrigation in the vineyards and minimal intervention in the winery. The estate has been owned by the Wraith family since 2003 although 2005 saw the start of a major vineyard-planting program on land that had been left fallow for a number of years. 17ha were planted over a four year period to add to an existing 8ha of older vineyards already in the ground, which then meant Keermonts' official maiden vintage only came in 2007.

The farm itself is situated high up in the picturesque Blaauwklippen Valley, otherwise known as Paradyskloof (Paradise Valley). Due to the steepness of the terrain, the altitude climbs 200m within the 1.7km length of the farm and the vineyards are planted between 250m and 400m above sea level. This means that the vines planted over these wonderful, but wildly different terrains, produce wines with wonderful complexity and a wide range of flavour characteristics. The proximity to both False Bay and the Indian Ocean also aids to moderate the climate in the vineyards, aiding to maintain freshness and vibrancy in the wines.

This is without a doubt South Africa's best Merlot, by a long long way!

Tasting Note: (From the winery)
The Keermont Merlot uses only the best estate Merlot fruit from vineyard parcels between 250m and 400m above sea level in the valley between the Stellenbosch and Helderberg mountain ranges. Small batches of grapes are specifically selected according to ripeness, harvested by hand and vinified separately. The wine then spends 20 months maturing in seasoned French oak before being bottled by hand. 
The Keermont Merlot has a vibrant venetian red colour. Enticing spicy red fruit on the nose with hints of cinnamon, dried herbs, and Christmas pudding. Classical soft, fruitful palate with dark plums, cherries and delicate anise and dried orange notes. Fine dusty tannins hold the wine into a long savoury finish. Best drinking: 2023-2035.