Nestled between the Helderberg & Hottentots Mountains in Stellenbosch, Vergelegen is one of South Africa’s premiere wine producers. The estate has a storied history dating back to its establishment in 1700 by Governor Willem Adriaan van der Stel. Today Vergelegen is owned and operated by Anglo American PLC – one of the world’s largest global mining groups who have nurtured and developed it into a world-class wine estate.
As Vergelegen proudly enters its fourth century, it does so exclusively as a wine estate of global repute.

 

Vergelegen DNA 2012

 

Vergelegen Semillon Straw Wine Reserve 2013

Varietals: 50% Semillon, 50% Sauvignon Blanc

Origin: The grapes were selected from Vergelegen’s Korhaan and Niel-Suid vineyards.

Vinification:  Select grape clusters were dried on the vines or on wooden pallets and processed the moment sufficient sugar concentration developed. The grapes were not crushed or destemmed but fermented on the skins in plastic bins. The fermenting sweet juice was then transferred into old barrels for completion of alcoholic fermentation followed by 13 months rest in old oak barrels.

Tasting Notes:  Ripe, tropical fruit abounds on the nose but the wine does not become dull and uninteresting due to its marvelous acidity and freshness on the palate. Serve well chilled. Delicious now but will improve over the next 15-20 years in the bottle.

 

Platter’s South African Wine Guide, 2016, 2015, 2014

 “Shimmering gold desert from vine – pallet-dried grapes, fermented on skins/stems, aged 14 months older barrels. Nuts, glacé pineapple & varietal lanolin on hedonistic 2011. Bolt of tangy lime cuts sweetness for a clean, lingering finish. …”

 

Vergelegen Semillon Reserve

Varietal:  100% Semillon

Origin: The grapes were harvested form Vergelegen’s Korhaan Vineyard.

Vinification:  The grapes were harvested in late February but were not crushed or destemmed to allow the whole clusters to be pressed for superior quality.  Fermentation followed in 225L French oak barrels for nine months then bottled.

Tasting Notes:  Intense citrus, white flowers, honey and spice.  Finely focused, complex and well balanced with a crisp acidity. Excellent with mussels, salmon, grilled Yellowtail and chicken. Stunning with seared tuna and scallops.

 

Rated 91, Vergelegen Semillon, 2014, International Wine Report – Stephen Tanzer 2015

“100% Semillon, from vines picked early…pungent yet laid-back aromas of lemon drop, honey and flowers. Wonderfully plush and intense, with a touch of sweetness…Serve it with oysters, smoked salmon or grilled seafood.”

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VERGELEN ESTATE HIDDEN CAM THAT CAPTURES WILDLIFE PASSING

The honey badger (Mellivora capensis), also known as the ratel  is the only species in the mustelid subfamily Mellivorinae and its only genus Mellivora. It is native to Africa, Southwest Asia, and the Indian succontinent. Despite its name, the honey badger does not closely resemble other badger species; instead, it bears more anatomical similarities to weasels.

It is classed as Least Concern by the IUCN owing to its extensive range and general environmental adaptations. It is primarily a carnivorous species and has few natural predators because of its thick skin and ferocious defensive abilities.

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Vergelegen “V” 2011

 

 

 

Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Origin: “V” was created from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes grown exclusively in the Stone Pine IV vineyard. This west to northwest inland facing vineyard is relatively sheltered from the prevailing breezes coming off False Bay. Here the grapes were nurtured to perfection by the slightly warmer but still predominately maritime climate.

Vinification: Select hand-harvested grape clusters were fermented in closed tanks at temperatures of 25 to 28 degrees Celsius. The young wine received a post fermentation maceration of 21 days followed by malolactic fermentation in stainless steel. Upon completion of malolactic fermentation, the wine was racked into 100% new French oak where it matures for 21 months followed by an additional 24 months bottle rest before release.

Tasting Notes: Complex nose showing blackcurrants, red cherries, cedar wood, lead pencil and cigar box aromas. On the palate the wine is concentrated but elegant, with fine-grained tannins which soften in the glass. The result: a luxurious wine with a long aftertaste.

Serving Suggestions: Excellent with fine cheese, roasts or for meditative sipping.

Rated 93, “V” Vergelegen, 2011, International Wine Report – Stephen Tanzer 2015

“…Good deep, bright red. Explosive truffley perfume to the complex aromas of cassis, licorice, violet, graphite and cedar. Plush, fat and seamless, filling the mouth without leaving any impression of weight. Has a texture of liquid silk. Finishes with noble, tooth-saturating tannins and outstanding persistence…”

 

 

Vergelegen G.V.B. Red 2011

 

 

Varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon 75%, Merlot 20%, Cabernet Franc 5%

Origin: Only grapes grown in the Rondekop vineyards where the dry land is composed of granite and clay with a pebbly base were selected for Vergelegen G.V.B. Red. Planted 180 – 220 meters above sea level, the vines were cooled by gentle sea breezes which allowed for an extended growing season. Summer 2011 was moderately cool with warm days and cool nights that allowed for great flavor and color development.

Vinification: Concentrated fruit from the low yielding Rondekop grape vineyards were fermented with local yeasts and macerated for 5 weeks followed by maturation in 100% new 225L Sylvain Darnajou and Taransaud French oak barrels with a minimum of 3 rackings over a 22 month period.

Tasting Notes: A rich ruby red color with an almost opaque center with plum, chocolate, graphite and cassis on the nose. On the palate the fruit, tannin and acidity marry perfectly to offer balance and complexity with flavors of black cherry, black currants and refreshing minerals. Excellent tannic structure and fine acidity indicate a wine of balance and finesse reflective of the Vergelegen terroir.

Serving Suggestions: Vergelegen G.V.B. Red is the perfect wine for contemplative sipping or with fine aged cheese. May also be savored with roasts, steak, and hardy pasta dishes.

Rated 92, Vergelegen G.V.B. Red 2011, International Wine Report – Stephen Tanzer 2015

“Knockout nose combines cassis, black raspberry, mocha and cedar. Plush, super concentrated, broad and sweet; an utterly silky, seamless wine with outstanding depth of texture. Finishes with huge but utterly suave tannins and superb length…”

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VERGELEN ESTATE HIDDEN CAM THAT CAPTURES WILDLIFE PASSING

The leopard’s success in the wild is due to its well camouflaged fur; its opportunistic hunting behavior, broad diet, and strength to move heavy carcasses into trees; its ability to adapt to various habitats ranging from rain forest to steppe and including arid and montane areas; and to run at speeds up to 58 kilometres per hour (36 mph).

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Vergelegen G.V.B. White 2012

Varietals: 56% Sauvignon Blanc, 44% Semillon

Origin: The Sauvignon Blanc used to create this unique blend finds its perfect home on the south facing Schaapenberg vineyard 320 meters above sea level. The Semillon is from the south facing Korhaan flats 220 meters above sea level.

Vinification: The Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon grapes were hand-picked, bunch pressed and barrel fermented – the Sauvignon Blanc in 500 liter barrels, 25% new. The Semillon in 225 liter barrels, 50% new, 50% 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th fill. The wines were matured for 9 months before bottling.

Tasting Notes: A pale yellow green color with full ripe Semillon flavors dominating. The wine is elegant, rich and complex with a long aftertaste.

Serving Suggestions: Vergelegen G.V.B. White marries well with poultry, seafood and lightly sauced pasta dishes.

 

 

Vergelegen Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2009

 

Varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon 94%, Merlot 3%, Cabernet Franc 3%

Origin: Select grape clusters were chosen from Vergelegen’s north to northwest facing Rooiland vineyard where the conditions for this vintage were hot and dry. 2009 represented one of the best South African vintages of the last 20 years.

Vinification: The Cabernet Sauvignon was fermented in open and closed tanks at high temperatures 28 – 32 degrees Celsius and punched down every 6 hours to maximize color and tannin extraction. Two to three weeks post malolactic fermentation in 100% new oak for 22 months   50 – 70% new.

Tasting Notes: Complex with notes of black currants, spice, ripe plum and attractive wood aromas and flavors. Full, soft, ripe tannins lead to a long lingering finish.

Serving Suggestions: Vergelegen Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is an excellent accompaniment to grilled meats, roasts and hearty cheese.

Rated 91, Vergelegen Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 International Wine Report – Stephen Tanzer 2015

“Good full, deep red. Deep, complex, moderately herbaceous nose melds plum, mocha, woodsmoke, truffle, cedar chips and herbs. The wine’s deep, rich, thick fruit shows an almost syrupy character, but peppery herbs keep the palate firm and fresh. Finishes with substantial but beautifully refined tannins and outstanding energy and depth.”

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VERGELEN ESTATE HIDDEN CAM THAT CAPTURES WILDLIFE PASSING

Porcupines are rodents with a coat of sharp spines, or quills, that protect against predators. The term covers two families of animals, the Old World porcupines and New World porcupines. Both families belong to the Hystricognathi branch of the vast order Rodentia and display similar coats of quills, but they still are quite different and are not closely related.

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Vergelegen Chardonnay Reserve 2013

 

Varietal: 100% Chardonnay

Origin: The grapes were harvested from Vergelegen’s Korhaan premium south facing non-irrigated vineyard 220 meters above sea level.

Vinification: Hand selected grape clusters were whole bunch pressed with no skin contact. The juice was partially clarified then racked into 50% new French oak barrels – Francois Frere, Dargaud and Jaegle and 50% second fill and third fill barrels for alcoholic fermentation. After 3 days of spontaneous fermentation the barrels were inoculated with a pure culture yeast strain. After fermentation for an additional 15 days the barrels were topped off. To retain optimum acidity and freshness, only one third of the barrels was allowed to complete malolactic fermentation. The wine was left on the gross lees for 9 months with regular battonage then stabilized and bottled.

Tasting Notes: Attractive lemony yellow green color with a complex nose of citrus, vanilla, white peach, pineapple, spice and butter toast. The finish is long and elegant with a lively minerality.

Serving Suggestions: Enjoy with creamy risotto, lemony chicken dishes, grilled salmon and chicken.

Vergelegen Chardonnay Reserve, 2013

Gold Medal Winner – International Wine Challenge 2015

Gold Medal Winner – San Francisco Wine Competition 2015

 

 

Vergelegen Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2014

Varietal: 100% Sauvignon Blanc

Origin: The grapes selected for Vergelegen Sauvignon Blanc Reserve were grown on the south-facing Schaapenberg vineyard, situated approximately 6.5 km from False Bay and 320 meters above sea level. This single vineyards unique terroir is the result of the perfect harmony between elevation and the ocean’s moderating influence.

Vinification: Hand selected grape clusters were de-stemmed and cooled then pumped into the Bucher Inertys Press – which uses nitrogen, an inert gas – to ensure the must is protected from flavor loss and against oxidation. The young wine was then fermented at 12 – 14 degrees Celsius for 16 days followed by 3 months on the lees.

Tasting Notes: Extremely aromatic with a rich array of ripe passion fruit, guava, grapefruit and a touch of lemongrass with good minerality and a long clean finish.

Serving Suggestions: The perfect accompaniment to sushi, lamb, scallops, shrimp or smoked seafood.

Rated 92, Vergelegen Sauvignon Blanc 2014 International Wine Report – Stephen Tanzer 2015

“Great precision to the aromas of soft citrus fruits, orange blossom, minerals and complex lees… rich and plush but with a firm vein of acidity and minerality giving the wine a solid backbone for aging. Really builds on the back end, finishing savory, broad and long. This is routinely one of South Africa’s finest Sauvignon Blancs.”

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VERGELEN ESTATE HIDDEN CAM THAT CAPTURES WILDLIFE PASSING

Mongoose is the popular English name for 29 of the 34 species in the 14 genera of the family Herpestidae, which are small feliform carnivorans that are native to southern Eurasia and mainland Africa.  The other five species in the family are the four kusimanses in the genus Crossarchus, and the only species in the genus Suricata: Suricata suricatta, commonly called meerkat in English.

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Vergelegen Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2011

Varietals: 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec

Origin: The grapes were nurtured to perfection on the north and northwest vineyards at Vergelegen and Somerset West and harvested at their peak of ripeness.

Vinification: The hand-picked grapes were stored in refrigerated containers at -20 degrees Celsius for 48 hours then sorted. De-stemming followed. The grapes/must was then cold soaked for 7 days followed by feral fermentation for 4 days when a cultured yeast was added. The juice was fermented dry then macerated on the skins for an additional 4 to 7 weeks before going to barrel. After 15 months in barrels (20% new) the new wine was bottled.

Tasting Notes: Bright dark red. Claret-like aromas of black and red currant, coffee, tobacco, mocha and sexy oak. A pliant, mid-weight wine with noteworthy richness and a firm spine of harmonious acidity that adds to its intense berry and spice flavors.

Serving Suggestions: Vergelegen Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot is the perfect accompaniment to chicken, lamb, pizza or pasta.

Rated 89, Vergelegen Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2011 International Wine Report – Stephen Tanzer 2015

“Medium red. Cranberry, tobacco, dried flowers, orange peel and a cedary perfume…very nicely concentrated…Finishes with firm tannins and excellent length.”

 

Vergelegen Chardonnay 2013

Varietal: 100% Chardonnay

Origin: Estate grown Chardonnay grapes harvested from Vergelegen’s Korhaan, Rooiland, Rocklands, Slanghoek and Lower Schaapenberg vineyards were selected for this premium Chardonnay.

Vinification: Select grape clusters were whole bunch pressed with no skin contact. The slightly clarified juice was then racked into 20% new French oak barrels and 80% second, third and fourth fill barrels for alcoholic fermentation. Grapes harvested from the Lower Schaapenberg and a portion of Rooiland grapes were tank fermented to protect their delicate structures while the remaining grapes were fermented in the barrel using a combination of cultured yeasts and feral fermentation. The wine was then matured 8 months on the lees in both tank and barrel before bottling.

Tasting Notes: Beautifully refined and elegant, Vergelegen Chardonnay is an attractive yellow-green color with a complex nose of citrus, peach, tropical fruit and mineral tones. Delicately wooded with a long and full palate.

Serving Suggestions: Vergelegen Chardonnay is the perfect accompaniment to seafood especially smoked salmon, oysters and trout. Also pairs perfectly with poultry dishes.

Platter’s South African Wine Guide, 2015

 “Only part oaked to showcase the fruit flavors, 13’s orange/lemon & buttered toast styling…Elegant, with a lifting freshness.”

 

 

Vergelegen Sauvignon Blanc 2014

 

Varietals: 95% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Semillon

Origin: Hand harvested grapes were picked at their peak of ripeness from vineyards on the Vergelegen’s wine estate. Vineyard parcels were individually selected – individual rows or fractions of blocks – and transported to the cellar at Vergelegen in wooden bins.

Vinification: Selected grape clusters were vinified separately. The must and finished wine were kept in contact with their lees by stirring at least once a day. After destemming and crushing, the grapes were pressed and the juice was fermented at 12 – 16 degrees Celsius with fermentation lasting approximately 2-3 weeks.

Tasting Notes: Pale, bright green-tinged yellow with pure vibrant aromas of lime blossom, passion fruit, guava, white pepper and quince. Shows amazing elegance by balancing perfect acidity with ripe fruit.

Serving Suggestions: Vergelegen Sauvignon Blanc is the perfect companion to sushi, oysters and lightly seasoned chicken and veal.

Rated 91, Vergelegen Sauvignon Blanc 2014 Wine Report – Tim Atkin 2015

“Fourteen vineyards, all of them on this historic estate, make up the blend…Combined with 5% Semillon, it’s a focused, grapefruit and gooseberry number with a waxy undertone.”

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VERGELEN ESTATE HIDDEN CAM THAT CAPTURES WILDLIFE PASSING

The Rooikat aka Caracal is often confused with the lynx, as both cats have tufted ears. However, a notable point of difference between the two is that the lynx is spotted and blotched, while the Caracal shows no such markings on the coat. The African golden cat has a similar build as the Caracal’s, but is darker and lacks the ear tufts. The sympatric serval can be told apart from the Caracal by the former’s lack of ear tufts, white spots behind the ears, spotted coat, longer legs, longer tail and smaller footprints.

 

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