2005 Vergelegen "V"

The flagship 2005 “V” is a blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon with 5% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc from the 23-year old Stone Pine IV vineyard, raised entirely in French oak for 24 months. It has a very ripe, lively bouquet with red currant, raspberry and cedar with very good definition with hints of smoked meat. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins and continues to evolve at a glacial pace. Quite austere in style with touches of brine and sea salt on the finish, I would actually cellar this for a couple more years. Drink 2013-2019. Vergelegen has one of the most dramatic backdrops of any winery that I have visited. Located in Somerset West, this vast estate has a long history dating back to the 17th century, but the winery itself is thoroughly modern, not dissimilar to Pichon-Baron with its octagonal design. The estate was acquired by “Anglo American” in 1987 and two years later, they planted the first vines. They received enormous publicity when Vergelegen hosted the first unbanned meetings of the ANC. Andre van Rensberg is responsible for both the vineyards, which range between 140m and 310m in altitude, and the winemaking, and he is one of the few winemakers to have combatted leaf-roll virus head-on so that their replanting program of virus-free vines look set to bear virus-free fruit. Their portfolio focuses upon classic French grape varieties, divided into their entry-level white label range and their premium, black label range wherein the fruit is sourced exclusively from their own vines. Importer: 57 Main Street Imports, Garden City, NY; tel. (516) 357-2070