2012 Keermont Syrah
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Tasting notes
Chunky tannic grip follows a standard spicy nose. Quite cooked fruit. Heavy and old school, though perfectly pure and ripe. (RH)
Critic scores
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Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
(with 5% Mourvedre): Dark red-ruby. Blueberry, blackberry, spices, violet and licorice on the nose, along with a hint of pepper. Ripe but quite dry, even a bit youthfully clenched, with blackberry and dried spices dominating. Dark and brooding in the early going but not a wild style of Syrah. Firmly tannic, juicy and persistent on the tight finish. This calls for a few years of patience.
The 2012 Keermont Syrah is a blend of the Steepside Syrah and Topside Syrah, augmented by two barrels of Mourvedre that comes from the former. It spend 20 months in French oak of which just 5% is new. It has a well-defined, feminine, floral bouquet with black cherries, cassis and crushed-violet scents that blossoms in the glass. The palate is very well-defined with crisp acidity and a beautifully poised finish that is focused and sensual. This is another outstanding wine from Alex Starey.