SYRAH 2015

KEERMONT SYRAH 2015 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; this vineyard generally produces powerful full bodied wines with rich, spicy flavours. Topside Syrah: An unirrigated west facing vineyard planted at 400m above sea level on rocky sandstone-based soil. Topside Syrah is usually a more aromatic wine with good structure and natural acid. Sweetwater Syrah: Situated in a rocky valley below the Fleurfontein spring, this is the coolest of the three Syrah sites and ripens the latest. Sweetwater Syrah is normally lighter and elegant in style with a herbal aroma. In certain vintages we may add a small percentage of Mourvèdre from the Steepside vineyard in order to bring another aspect to the tannin structure of the wine.

All grapes used in producing our wines are grown on Keermont Vineyards. 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 3 December 2015. We produced only 102 Magnums.

TASTING NOTE

The Keermont Syrah 2015 has a bright strawberry red colour with a lighter hue. It has an enchanting bouquet of wild flowers, sweet cherries and an array of spices. The palate is elegant and focussed with a clean, linear acidity. It has an exciting cherry and plum flavour with notes of spice and earthiness. The tannins are vibrant and tight, and the wine has a long, succulent, herbal finish. Drink 2018-2028.

BLOCKS

VINTAGE REPORT

A cold, wet winter (as experienced in this vintage) is a good thing for the vine. It goes into full dormancy and wakes up well rested and ready for the season ahead. This was apparent with very even budding and strong, early growth during spring. From that point onwards, we experienced a very dry season. Growing conditions, however, were ideal with warm days and cool nights. This variation in temperature generally leads to good flavour and colour development in the berries and as a result we had a small crop with great quality. We had our earliest harvest yet starting on 23 January and finishing on 3 March and took 70 tons of grapes into the winery.

ANALYSIS

Alc: 14.37 %   pH: 3.53   TA: 5.2 g/L
RS: 1.6 g/L   TSO2: 83 mg/L   VA: 0.72 g/L

ACCOLADES