South African & International Fine Wine
Live Auction, 14 September 2019
Session One
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
About this Item
With a history dating back over 300 years, Vergelegen has kept a simple winemaking philosophy this entire time, ‘there must be harmony between the old and the new’. Situated on the Schaapenberg in Somerset West, overlooking False Bay, Anglo America purchased the property in 1987 and have since invested extensively in the estate’s viticulture and historic core. Having produced fine, modern wines for two decades, Vergelegen is one of South Africa’s highest regarded, established producers. Andre Van Rensburg, previously with Stellenzicht, has been at the helm of this oldest of Stellenbosch wine concerns since 1998, with advice from none other than world-renowned oenologist Michel Rolland.
Reminding Neal Martin of Pessac-Léognan, this Cabernet comes from granite soils and is well known for its aging.
Critics Ratings
'09 is seamless, has such integration of fruit & oak that it’s difficult to pick out a single flavour element. Boasts with plush silky tones, sleek musculature for a long distinguished future. With a dash merlot, cab franc. – Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2015, 4.5*
The 2009 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon comes from vines planted in granite soils from two to three clones that are completely virus-free. A blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24 months in French oak with 70% new, the nose instantly reminded me of a Pessac-Léognan, with touches of gravel infusing the red berry fruit. I like the definition here - very focused. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannin, a touch of soy interlacing the red and black fruit that segues into a fresh, slightly minty finish. Quite a mercurial Bordeaux blend in the glass, give this 2-3 years in bottle and you should have a very fine wine.’ – Neal Martin, Wine Advocate (November 2015), 91/100
Provenance
Wine Cellar