Tasting notes

Sourced from north and north – westerly vineyards at Vergelegen, Somerset West. Dominating soil types are decomposed granite, Hutton and weathered shale. 2005 was an excellent vintage in terms of quality especially our Cabernet Sauvignon crop. Vergelegen experienced a long cool growing season with no rain during the harvest. This resulted in well balanced wines that will drink well at an early stage but will still have the ability to age well.

The grapes were harvested into 500kg bins and then de-stemmed and crushed. Fermentation took place at temperatures of 30ºC for the Cabernet Sauvignon and 26º - 28º for the Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Pressing was very light and the wine was run into small 225 litre French oak barrels for Malolactic fermentation. The wine was matured for 18 months in wood, followed by an egg white fining and bottling.

Attractive dark ruby. The nose shows ripe berry, plum, chocolate and coffee flavours. There is also a hint of mint, spice and pencil shavings. The tannins are fine grained with great fruit-wood integration. Ideal with pasta, pizza, stews and premium red meat cuts.