Vergelegen

"NEW WORLD WINERY OF THE YEAR, Wine Enthousiast Magazine USA 2005" / "BEST SOUTH AFRICAN WINERY" Wine Magazine SA 2004-2008 / "MOST SUCCESSFUL PRODUCER" Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show SA 2002-2004/2006

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ESTATE WHITE BLEND *202328.25
Estate White is sourced and hand-selected from cooler, south-east-facing vineyards overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Elegant and refined with mineral overtones, and a flinty core dominated by notes of lemon, crushed rosemary and fresh apple. Blend of 56% Semillon and 44% Sauvignon Blanc. Various ages of barrels were utilised and the wines spent 10 months in oak.
IWC: 96 Double Gold and best SA White in show, Christian Eedes: 96, Decanter: 95, Tim Atkin: 94, Platter: 93
ESTATE WHITE BLEND202428.60
Youthful, pithy and crunchy, it has subtle wood spices, notes of kelp, lime and pink grapefruit, a dab of cream and a flinty undertone. Blend consisting of 52% Semillon 48% Sauvignon Blanc. Various ages of barrels were utilised and the wines spent 10 months in oak before careful blending to achieve a characterful wine.
Platter: 95, Prescient: 95, Tim Atkin: 94
CHARDONNAY RESERVE202416.20
This barrel-fermented Chardonnay was crafted from grapes grown on ancient granite soils. The wine unveils a lemony yellow-green hue and the character weaves together notes of zesty citrus, spice, delicate citrus blossoms and a hint of buttered toast. The wine matured for 10 months in barrels of different types, sizes, and toasting levels, after which it was blended and bottled.
Platter: 93, Tim Atkin: 93, J. Suckling: 92
SAUVIGNON BLANC WILD WINDS202411.20
A pure, natural expression of Sauvignon Blanc with guava and honeydew melon notes on the nose. The palate is flinty with excellent acidity and stylish, long-lasting finish.
IWR: 91, Tim Atkin: 90, Platter: 88
SEMILLON RESERVE *201716.50
Attractive light green colour. Nose shows delicate citrus, white flowers, honey and spice. The wine is finely focused, complex and well balanced with a crisp acidity. Excellent with mussel soup, salmon, grilled Yellowtail and chicken. Stunning with seared tuna and scallops. Eight months fermentation took place in 225 litre French oak barrels.
Tim Atkin: 94, Platter: 93
STRAW WINE *201510.60
Ripe, tropical fruit abounds. 100% Semillon grapes were either dried on the vines or on wooden pallets. The wine spent 15 months in old oak.
Tim Atkin: 93, Platter: 92
FLORENCE ROSE202410.90
Strawberry and raspberry notes with a delicate acidity and rose-gold hue. The perfect summer wine for al fresco lunches, braais and picnics. Blend of 65% Shiraz, 25% Grenache and 10% Mourvedre.
iWine Review: 91, Tim Atkin: 91, Platter: 84
FLORENCE ROSE202511.25
Provence-like rose with a pale salmon color and crisp fruit. Dominated by fresh strawberry, raspberry, and redcurrant, followed by subtle hints of watermelon and floral blossoms. Clean and succulent with a "racy acidity" and a dry, lightly savory finish. Blend consisting of 68% Shiraz, 17% Grenache and 15% Mourvedre. Best South African Rosé according to BBC Good Food.
Adrian van Velsen: 87
CABERNET / MERLOT *202012.30
Bright dark red. On the nose striking cassis underlined with cedar and a fresh ripe fruit character. On the palate the freshness carries through with a long-lasting aftertaste. The grapes were handpicked and spent 18 months in 20% new French oak barrels which adds to the complexity and finesse of this wine. The blend is composed of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. Drinking beautifully now it will improve even more in the bottle over the next 5-10 years.
Tim Atkin: 90, Platter: 89
CABERNET / MERLOT Mill Race202211.55
An opulent red blend that delights with lashings of red berries and dark chocolate shavings. The texture is velvety with a plush finish. Blend of 41% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Syrah, 12% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. The wines matured in 15% new French oak of various sizes, for 12 months before being blended and bottled.
Platter: 89, Christian Eedes: 89
GVB RED BLEND *201331.60
The 2013 is a beautiful and elegant wine with good concentration and lovely fruit. The tannins are ripe and the wine has a long aftertaste. Cabernet Sauvignon 55%; Merlot 35%; Cabernet Franc 5%; Petit Verdot 5%. Maturation in 40% new French oak barrels for 17 months.
Platter: 93
GVB RED BLEND *201735.40
The grapes for the GVB blend are sourced from the Rondekop Vineyards grown at 200 to 220 meters above sea level. These vineyards are extremely wind exposed and this leads to thick skinned berries that deliver very concentrated juice. The 2017 vintage yields a wine of great complexity and distinction. The nose has expressions of red fruits, hints of grilled fenneland wafts of tobacco and cigar box which fill the glass. The palate has great texture and finesse and this vintage is offering great drinkability already. After malolactic fermentation in stainless steel tanks, the wine went into 50% new French oak barrels for 18 months. Blend consisting of Cabernet Sauvignon 67%, Merlot 21% and 12% Cabernet Franc. Accessible now but will reward careful cellaring over the next 10 to 15 years.
Tim Atkin: 93, Platter: 93
ESTATE RED BLEND *202132.30
This pioneering red blend reflects the micro-climate and terroir of Vergelegen. Sourced and hand-selected from warmer north- and north-west-facing vineyards, which produce succulent fruit and ripe tannins. Cassis, pencil shavings and spice dominate the nose and palate. Blend of 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Franc, 8% Malbec, 6% Petit Verdot. Matured for 18 months in 100% new oak.
Platter: 94, Tim Atkin: 94
ESTATE RED BLEND202232.65
Mainly Cabernet Sauvignon 66% and Merlot 20% with some Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot were carefully blended for complexity and fruit substance as well as complementary structure and oaking in 45% new oak. The result is a fresh wine with stylish oak, fine-grained, layered tannins, violet and cut grass top notes and plum, cassis and black cherry fruit.
Platter: 95, Tim Atkin: 94
CABERNET SAUVIGNON RESERVE *201721.80
The grapes were selected from Vergelegens Rooiland and Stonepine vineyards. The wine spent 18 months in barrel; 40% new oak from coopers Taransaud, Darnajou and Sylvain. The wine is complex, showing blackcurrants, spice, ripe plums and attractive wood aromas and flavours. It is full and rich with prominent tannins that bode well for future ageing.
Tim Atkin: 93, Platter: 93
CABERNET SAUVIGNON RESERVE202119.95
This wine was grown in deep red soils of ancient origin, showcasing the terroir of the property. Complex with blackcurrants, spice, ripe plums and notes of plush leather and oak. Promising excellent ageability, but equally delicious when youthful. Matured in oak 225l and 300l barrels (first, second and third fill) for 12 months. The 2021 vintage is particularly noteworthy, benefiting from ideal growing conditions and the collaborative efforts of outgoing winemaker Andre van Rensberg and new cellarmaster Luke O Cuinneagain. This partnership has resulted in a wine that balances traditional richness with a more fruit-forward and refined style, promising excellent aging potential over the next 10 to 15 years .
Tim Atkin: 93, Platter: 93
CABERNET SAUVIGNON RESERVE202220.35
Red currant, cassis and a hint of violet on the nose. The palate is medium bodied with bright acidity and fine tannins, the oak deftly handled. Accessible and harmonious. Matured in 25% new small oak barrels.
Greg Sherwood: 94, Tim Atkin: 93, Parker: 93, Platter: 92, C. Eedes: 91
CABERNET SAUVIGNON FIRST THOUGHT *201528.80
First Thought Cabernet Sauvignon is from a modern, early ripening clone on north-westerly facing slopes. Matured for 18 months in French oak, 100% new, the nose shows red currant and plums, rose petal and the merest hint of fynbos. The palate is medium bodied with pure fruit, fresh acidity and a classically dry finish. Only 4 barrels made. Winemakers comment: Deep colour with aromas of black currant, cocoa powder, chicory and peppery herbs balanced with subtle sweetness and supported by firm ripe tannins.
Tim Atkin: 93, Platter: 92, Winemag.co.za:  92/100
MERLOT RESERVE (Magnum 1,5l) *202143.35
Deep plum color with a ruby-red rim. Its bouquet offers aromas of dark, ripe cherries and plums, complemented by subtle spice notes and a hint of chocolate and subtle nutmeg notes. The palate is characterized by a harmonious balance of fresh acidity and ripe fruit flavors, leading to a long, lingering, velvety soft finish. Matured 17 months in French oak 225l barrels.
Tim Atkin: 93, Platter: 89
MERLOT RESERVE202220.35
Complex, ripe fruity nose with notes of plum, black cherry, and licorice. Elegant with a "spicy finish". This is a weighty, concentrated red that shows the heat of the vintage. Curated in 22% new wood, it has grippy tannins and the backbone to age.
Tim Atkin: 91, Ch. Eedes: 89, Platter: 87
SHIRAZ RESERVE202019.10
Sourced from Vergelegen's Rooiland vineyard, known for its cooler climate, which contributes to the wine's elegance and structure. The Vergelegen Shiraz Reserve 2020 showcases a deep ruby color and offers a complex bouquet of aromas. On the nose, expect notes of ripe black cherry, complemented by hints of liquorice, violets, and a touch of spice. The palate is rich and full-bodied, with intense berry flavors and a subtle undercurrent of chocolate. Silky tannins lead to a long, clean finish, reflecting the wine's meticulous craftsmanship. 16 months in French oak barrels (30% new).
V *201970.10
Richest and most powerful of the estate's reds. Cabernet Sauvignon 80% with 11% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Franc. Tannins are dense but polished and in harmony with plush fruit and overall structure. Oaked for 18 months in 80% new oak.
Platter: 94, Tim Atkin:93
V*202270.45
This wine exudes aromas of ripe blackberries, dark plum, cedarwood, and hints of cocoa nibs. The palate mirrors the nose with layered fruit flavors, supported by a dense, textured structure. A fresh yet refined balance leads to a smooth, lingering finish. Blend consisting of Cabernet Sauvignon 60%, Petit Verdot 15%, Merlot 13% and Cabernet Franc 12%. A selection of the highest quality French oak barrels were used for ageing which took place for 18 months. Thereafter the blending took place and the wine was returned to barrel as a unit to knit together.
Greg Sherwood: 96, Tim Atkin: 95, Platter: 94