Vergelegen new releases

“Glenelly compared to Vergelegen is like Pauillac to Margaux – the former powerful and structured with dark fruit and firm tannins; the latter more perfumed, elegant, and finely textured,” suggests winemaker Luke O’Cuinneagain. He, of course, put Glenelly on the map before taking up at Vergelegen in September 2022, which meant while he didn’t vinify the wines from this vintage, he did blend and finish them. Tasting notes and ratings as follows:

Reserve Merlot 2022
Price: R350
Red berries, some herbal character and oak spice on the nose while the palate has clean fruit but appears quite lean and brisk despite an alcohol of 14.5%.

CE’s rating: 89/100.

Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
Price: R400
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. Alc: 14.5%.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

Estate Red 2022
Price: R550
66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot. Matured for 12 months in barrel, 25% new. Aromatics are attractive in their refinement – red and black berries, cigar box, violets and dried herbs while the palate is elegant with pure fruit, fresh acidity and supple tannins. Unshowy yet quietly compelling. Alc: 14.5%.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

V 2022
Price: R2,000
The first commercial release since 2018 – small quantities of 2019 – 2021 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Petit Verdot, 13% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc. Matured for 18 months in barrel. The nose shows top notes of floral perfume and herbs before red and black berries plus pencil shavings. Lovely fruit purity, fresh acidity and firm tannins making for a finish that is long and resolutely dry – linear, which is to say not too plush or opulent. Not so much dialled up compared to the Estate Red but rather more intricate and finely detailed. Alc: 14.5%.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

Reserve White 2023 (R375 a bottle) rated 96 on review in April last year – see here.

Reserve Chardonnay 2023
Price: R350
Grapes from three sites, each on different soils. Matured for 10 months in barrel, one-third new, with 5% tank-fermented portion for added freshness. Blossom, citrus and oatmeal on the nose while the palate is pure and poised with zippy acidity and a saline finish. Clean and correct but perhaps a bit anodyne. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

Check out our South African wine ratings database.