Vergelegen Heritage Range new releases

Since Luke O’Cuinneagain joined Helderberg property Vergelegen from Glenelly in 2022, there has been some rationalisation of the offering, most notably the Reserve versions of both the Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon discontinued.

The portfolio now starts with the so-called Heritage Range consisting of a Brut Cap Classique plus three still wines, tasting notes for the latter as follows:

Wild Winds Sauvignon Blanc 2024
Price: R150
Some flinty reduction before lime, green apple and honeydew melon. The palate shows good fruit weight and a creamy texture, the acidity nicely integrated. Clean and succulent. Very youthful, this should only grow in stature with time in bottle.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

Florence Rosé 2024
Price: R150
65% Shiraz, 25% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre. The nose shows subtle top notes of floral perfume and dried herbs before strawberry. The palate is light yet not angular, smooth in texture, the finish dry. Sophisticated and understated.

CE’s rating: 90/100.

Mill Race Red 2022
Price: R180
41% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc, 12% Syrah and 1% Petit Verdot. Matured for 12 months in barrel, 15% new. Red and black berries plus a distinct but not unattractive herbal note. The palate is medium bodied with fresh acidity and a dry finish. Technically correct but a bit short of presence and detail.

CE’s rating: 89/100.

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