I visited Vergelegen back in December 2005. At that time, they were one of the hottest wineries in South Africa. Since then, they have fallen off the radar a bit, but they are still making excellent wines. I really liked this: it’s not too trendy – a Bordeaux red blend, which isn’t the most exciting of categories in the Cape – but it’s a super wine, combining ripeness with definition and lovely savoury complexity.
Vergelegen GVB red 2005 Stellenbosch, South Africa
The flagship red from Vergelegen, this is pretty serious stuff, marrying the ripe, savoury and mineral elements very successfully. Lovely nose of gravel and graphite with spice, blackcurrant and plum. This leads to a palate that, while sweetly fruited, has fresh, mineral personality with a spicy, savoury edge. Grippy finish with good acidity. Real sophistication here, and drinking perfectly now. 94/100 (£35 BBR, Majestic)
Find this wine with wine-searcher.com
7 Comments on Vergelegen GVB 2005
Is this not mainly made for the American market and priced accordingly? Think it replaced the V of which I have the very first, the 2001
The wines of Vergelegen have a subtle nod to old world regions, especially Bordeaux and the Rhone. The combination of all the elements that make up the terroir of Vergelegen is undeniably key to the production of Vergelegen’s wines and our signature style. We don’t make our wines in a specific style for any market. Instead our award-winning winemaker, Andre van Rensburg, ensures that Vergelegen’s handcrafted wines reach the highest possible level of satisfaction.
GVB Red, sits below the ‘V’ within our portfolio and is partnered by the GVB White. GVB Red is from low-yielding vineyards (3- 4 tons/ha), so great care is taken not to produce over-extracted wines. The juice is fermented with local yeasts and macerated for three to four weeks. Maturation took place in 100% new 225l Sylvain and Taransaud French oak barrels with at least three rackings over an 18-month period. Plum, chocolate, graphite and cassis on the nose, complemented by a complex minerality on the palate. Fruit, tannin and acidity marry perfectly to offer balance and complexity, supported by flavours of black cherry, dark plum, minerals and chocolate.
Enjoy the V 2001!
Is that Château d’Emerignes I see in the background? Have you tried it yet? It’s a great wine and Beaujolais is making some very good wines at the moment. I reviewed it here… http://jpminvinolibertas.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Beaujolais (sorry for the shameless promotion!).
Schapenberg wines do kind of rock in an uncool kind of way. Got a bottle of their Reserve White 2009 in the UK which I can’t wait to drink. Wonderful stuff!
Laura—–I actually live right next door to Vergelegen in Erinvale estate,so obviously I am very familiar with Vergelegen , although have to confess I have not bought any wine there since the 2003 vintage.
At the moment ,I have no less than 10 cases of the Verg Verg 2001 ,all stored in a cellar at constant 12 c. Bought the wine at the cellar door on release.
If you or anyone else is interested in buying the odd case,please let me know.
Have you tried it recently? Nearly took a bottle along to the 2001 picnic offline last night. Actually, should have done (or maybe Columella) as the Cote Rotie was a bit odd.
Alex the wine I bought through you(off TEE) is not the same wine as the cellar door VV. No wonder they were selling it so cheaply. Reckon heat damage or something