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Keermont Amphitheatre Red Blend
Keermont Vineyards
South Africa - Western Cape - Coastal Region - Stellenbosch

Starting with the 2015 vintage, this new cuvée replaces the Keermont Estate Reserve. It is now the winery's flagship red blend. With this blend they aim to bring to life the nuances of both the terroir at Keermont Vineyards and the particularity of each vintage. The name of the cuvée comes from the fact the Estate is set in a naturally-formed amphitheatre in the mountains above Stellenbosch. 

Venetian red in color, this wine exudes complex aromas of dusty, ripe strawberry complimented by hints of baked pudding, vanilla, and sweet citrus blossom. 

Specifications
Appellation
Coastal Region - Stellenbosch
Wine Type
Red
Varietal(s)
32% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Cabernet Franc, 22% Merlot, 17% Petit Verdot, 5% Malbec and 1% Syrah (2015) 29% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Cabernet Franc, 19% Merlot, 16% Malbec and 8% Petit Verdot (2016)
Soil type
deep red clay-rich soil derived from sandstone and granite
Vinification
Small batches 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 19 months maturing in French oak barrels (20% new) before being bottled by hand without filtration. Bottle aged for 12 to 24 months before release.
Production
946 (9-liter cases)
Pairings

Barbecued red meat, shepherd's pie ... 

Reviews and News

2017 Keermont Amphitheatre Red Blend - 93 PTS - TA

2017 Keermont Amphitheatre Red Blend - 93 PTS - TA

tim atkin logo 250"Amphitheatre is a six way blend of equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Franc with 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Ripe, concentrated and intense, it displays the underlying structure of the 2017 vintage, some leafy top notes and stylish onethird new oak. 2024-29"

-Tim Atkin, South Africa 2023 Special Report, 93 pts

 

2015 Keermont Amphitheatre Red Blend - 95 PTS - VINOUS

2015 Keermont Amphitheatre Red Blend - 95 PTS - VINOUS

vinous logo"The maiden 2015 Amphitheatre has an intense bouquet of dark cherries, star anise, camphor and wild heather scents, all well defined and expressive. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins and fleshy ripe red fruit laced with white pepper and sage, fanning out wonderfully toward the finish. This is a beautiful maiden release, exuding breeding and class, from Alex Starey at Keermont. - Neal Martin"

- Antonio Galloni's Vinous (November 2021), 95 pts

 

2015 Keermont Amphitheatre Red Blend - 93 PTS - TA

2015 Keermont Amphitheatre Red Blend - 93 PTS - TA

tim atkin logo 250"Formerly known as Keermont's Estate Reserve, Amphitheatre is a Bordeaux blend with a Rhône twist, marrying Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec and a splash of Syrah. Full-bodied yet balanced, with tobacco leaf and dark berry fruit, some Asian spices, stylish 20% new wood and refreshing acidity."

-Tim Atkin, South Africa 2021 Special Report, 93 pts

 

2015 Keermont Amphitheatre Red Blend - 91 PTS - WE

2015 Keermont Amphitheatre Red Blend - 91 PTS - WE

wine enthusiast 91 pts

"There are intense aromas of licorice, plums, blueberries and a touch of cinnamon on the nose. The palate is smoothly textured and exhibits blackberry, raspberries and cranberries. Licorice and bay leaf add to its complexity. It's slightly warm, but good acidity manages to keep it fresh. - Jesica Vargas"

- Wine Enthusiast (October 2023), 91 pts

 

Producer Information: Keermont Vineyards

Keermont Vineyards is a family-owned farm located in a back valley outside of Stellenbosch, ZA. The name comes from Keerweder, which is the name of the former farm. A keerweder ...
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