Vergelegen V 2006

On song.

Vergelegen in Somerset West should arguably be South Africa’s most revered property or at least running Kanonkop close. However, while wine quality remains high, it does not seem to elicit the same excitement among wine enthusiasts as it did some 10 or 15 years ago.

Whatever the reason for Vergelegen’s low profile now, a bottle of the top-end V 2006 was a timely reminder of just what these vineyards are capable of. A blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc and 5% Merlot, it spent 24 months in French oak, 100% new. On the nose red berries, some floral perfume, fresh herbs and graphite. The palate appeared remarkably youthfully with plenty of pure fruit, bright acidity and fine yet not completely resolved tannins. Medium bodied and savoury but hardly under-ripe or vegetal, a pleasure to drink now while also set to mature with benefit for a good while yet. Read review on release here.

Editor’s rating: 96/100.

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