Keet, First Verse 2021
Christopher Keet’s iconic ‘First Verse’ is his only release, and has been ever since its maiden vintage in 2009.
His eponymous winery is run on the philosophy that ‘the art of viticulture lies in the focus, attention to detail and precision nurturing of vine and wine’.
The grapes used for this Bordeaux blend are taken from prime locations across Stellenbosch, and then meticulously crafted into a wine that will age gracefully, but that has tremendous vibrancy and character in its youth.
The 2021 First Verse is a blend of 39% Cabernet Franc, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Malbec, 6% Merlot and 6% Petit Verdot.
The Cabernet Franc adds the spicy, restrained elegance and fine-grained tannins, the Merlot introduces plum and red berry flavours, while the Cabernet Sauvignon provides rigidity with firm tannins and blackberry and cassis flavours. The rich and ripe mulberry flavours of the Malbec are balanced by the fresh red berry acidity provided by the Petit Verdot.
The 2021 First Verse is a fine reflection of this exceptional vintage with harmony, elegance and power summing this wine up.
£54.45
Stellenbosch
Bordeaux Blend, Red Blend
LightFull Bodied
Description
Cellarmaster’s Comments
The Cabernet Franc adds the spicy, restrained elegance and fine- grained tannins, the Merlot introduces plum and red berry flavours, while the Cabernet Sauvignon provides rigidity with firm tannins and blackberry and cassis flavours. The rich and ripe mulberry flavours of the Malbec are balanced by the fresh red berry acidity provided by the Petit Verdot. The 2021 First Verse is a fine reflection of this exceptional vintage with harmony, elegance and power summing this wine up. Enjoy the wine with poultry, red meat, seared tuna or matured cheese.
The Blend
The 2021 First Verse is a blend of 39% Cabernet Franc, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Malbec, 6% Merlot and 6% Petit Verdot.
The Vineyards
The grapes are sourced from some of the finest vineyards on the amphitheatre of mountains surrounding Stellenbosch – including the Helderberg, Stellenbosch Mountain, Simonsberg and the Polkadraai area. Meticulous site selection and attention to detail in the management of the vineyards is crucial to ensure that the very best quality grapes are brought into the cellar. Each vineyard site has been carefully selected to deliver grapes with a very specific aromatic profile,tannin structure and texture contributing to the harmonious complexity of the First Verse.
A deep understanding of terroir and precision viticulture form the base of the aspirations of the First Verse.
Vintage
A good start to the new season is a cold and wet winter. This was experienced in abundance. Cool conditions were sustained throughout the growing season. Post-veraison conditions were equally optimal for the ripening process until the day of harvest. Certainly a blessed vintage!
Winemaking
Winemaking, I believe, should involve the combination of tradition,modern technology, science, art and passion. Attention to detail and focus are key ingredients. The grapes were fermented on the skins to extract the grape flavours, colour and tannins. Thereafter the wine was matured in the finest French oak barrels for 19 months, followed by blending and bottling.
Wine Analysis
Alc 14.5 vol%, Residual Sugar 2.0g/l, pH 3.50, Total Acidity 6.0g/l.
Additional information
| Grape | Bordeaux Blend, Red Blend |
|---|---|
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Wine Farm | |
| Alcohol vol | 14.5% |
Enjoy with poultry, red meat, seared tuna or matured cheese.
2 reviews for Keet, First Verse 2021
Location
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96 points | Tim Atkin MW Special South Africa Report 2024
“Chris Keet only makes one wine under his own name, but what a wine it is, consistently among the best Bordeaux style blends in the Cape. Made in a “peach” of a vintage in 2021, this marries Cabernet Franc, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Malbec and 6% Merlot. Sourced from eight different Stellenbosch sites, this has symphonic complexity, with alluring cut grass and graphite aromas, sculpted tannins and layers of mint, bramble and blackcurrant framed by scented oak. 2026-40″
Tim Atkin MW Special South Africa Report 2024 –
96 points | Platter’s Wine Guide 2025
“Exceptional Cape Bordeaux from prime Stellenbosch sites. 2021 near equal Cabernet Franc & Cabernet Sauvignon, more Malbec than Merlot & Petit Verdot vs just a dab in 2020; usual 18 months in oak, 15% new. Lithe, despite 14.5% alc, thanks to masterly composition of bright fruit, enlivening acid & fine, shapely tannins, all promising a stellar future.”
Platter’s Wine Guide 2025 –