2012 Keermont Estate Red

The 2012 Keermont comes from the older blocks of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot augmented by a selection of barrels for newer sites. It sees 22 months in French oak, 20% new. It has a sedate bouquet: well-defined, conservative at first, but unfolding with blackberry, tobacco and mint aromas that remain very linear. The palate is medium-bodied with a chewy entry. There is decent weight in the mouth, although it does not quite flow toward the compact finish like the 2011. Still, this is a fine wine from winemaker Alex Starey.