2019 Vergelegen Red

Opening to a broad and juicy core of dark fruit, the 2019 GVB Red bursts with fresh, ripe fruit and plenty of attractive oak essences. Layered and popping, the tight palate has gobs of fruit and needs time to shed its baby fat. Be patient and give it time. I'd love to revisit this in a few years and check back in on it. Until then, put it in the cellar and forget about it.

The 2019 GVB is miles fresher and more delineated on the nose than the disappointing 2018, with lifted blackberry and cranberry, laced with cedar and pencil box aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins and fresh acidity. It is still quite structured and may be dry to some, but it’s a step up from the last two vintages because an underlying suppleness evolves in the glass.