VINTAGE REPORT
2017 was an excellent growing season on Keermont. Despite a drier than usual Winter, we had strong growth
in the vineyards during the Spring time. This led to the formation of a good healthy crop which ripened evenly during the warm, dry Summer. Harvest started fairly early, but was put on hold after a heavy rainfall in late January. This rejuvenated the vines and allowed for extended ripening which definitely raised the general quality. We recorded one of our largest and healthiest crops yet and grapes came in with great analysis and concentration. Topside yield was 5.4 tons/Ha

ANALYSIS
Alc: 14.5 %
pH: 3.67
TA: 4.8 g/L
RS: 1.6 g/L
TSO2: 65 mg/L
VA: 0.72 g/L

The Topside Syrah vineyard is situated high up on the West facing mid-slopes of the Stellenbosch Mountain range (Elevation 350m). It was planted in 2006 on rocky soils consisting of sandstone and granite, weathered from the peaks above. Vines are trellised and run with the contour in a North South direction. The elevation, soil and aspect all contribute to spicy character and fine tannin structure of this wine. The views from the top of this vineyard west to Table Mountain are simply breath taking.

All grapes used in producing this wine come from the Topside Syrah vineyard. Small sections of the vineyard
are specifically selected according to ripeness, harvested by hand and vinified separately. Fermentation is carried out by yeast which occurs naturally on the grape skins. Our red wines spend three to four weeks fermenting and macerating on the skins in small open top tanks with one or two gentle ‘punch-downs’ performed per day. This wine spent 20 months maturing in seasoned 500 litre French oak barrels before being bottled by hand without filtration. Only 2813 bottles and 62 Magnums were produced