Vergelegen G.V.B White 2022 vs 2023

Luke O’Cuinneagain left Glenelly to take over as winemaker at Vergelen in the second half of 2022 replacing the long-serving André van Rensburg. Inevitably, change is afoot as O’Cuinneagain analyses all aspects of production, marketing and sales, a case in point being the property’s celebrated white blend, the somewhat cryptic “G.V.B” (Grown-Vinified-Bottled) designation set to be dropped and the price potentially lowered from R500 a bottle to be more in line with competitors.

What of the actual wine? O’Cuinneagain boasts work experience at leading Bordeaux white producer Château de Fieuzal which informs his first vintage, a stylistic shift clearly apparent when tasted next to the currently available 2022. Tasting notes and ratings as follows:

Vergelegen G.V.B White 2022
Price: R500
55% Sauvignon Blanc, 45% Semillon. The nose is hugely fragrant with notes of lime, white peach, dried herbs and elderflower. The palate is lean and fresh with a pithy finish. A striking wine, currently somewhat angular but sure to mature with benefit.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Vergelegen White 2023
To be released in July.
56% Semillon, 44% Sauvignon Blanc. Expressive aromatics of lime, grapefruit, blackcurrant, floral perfume, fresh herbs and just a touch of flinty reduction. The palate is succulent and seamless – great fruit concentration plays off against sherbet-like acidity. Lovely weight and texture but also plenty of drive. Pure and deep. Alcohol: 13%.

CE’s rating: 96/100.

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