Vergelegen, GVB Red 2019

Vergelegen Wine Estate, one of South Africa’s most historic and prestigious wineries, was founded in 1700 and has long been renowned for producing world-class wines. Situated in Somerset West, the estate benefits from diverse soils, a maritime climate, and meticulous vineyard management, making it one of the country’s top producers of Bordeaux-style blends. The GVB Red 2019 (Governors’ Blend) is a flagship wine, crafted from the estate’s best parcels of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, embodying power, elegance, and ageing potential.

The grapes for the GVB Red 2019 are sourced from vineyards planted on decomposed granite and Table Mountain sandstone, providing excellent drainage and minerality. The cooling influence from False Bay ensures a long, even ripening period, allowing for optimal flavour development. The wine undergoes traditional vinification, with extended maceration to enhance depth and structure. Maturation takes place in 225L French oak barrels (75% new) for 18–20 months, contributing to its complexity and refinement.

Appearance: Deep, inky ruby with a garnet rim, showing youthful vibrancy with a hint of maturity beginning to develop. The colour remains intense and concentrated, suggesting excellent depth and ageing potential. As the wine swirls, thick, slow-moving legs coat the glass, indicating richness, structure, and a well-balanced alcohol level.

Aroma: Complex and layered, with intense blackcurrant, ripe plum, and dark cherry at the forefront. Hints of cedar, cigar box, and pencil shavings reflect the wine’s time in fine French oak, while subtle notes of dried herbs, graphite, and cocoa powder add further intrigue. Earthy undertones and a touch of violet lift the nose, giving it both power and finesse.

Taste: Bold yet refined, with a core of dark berry fruit blackberry, cassis, and mulberry balanced by savoury elements of tobacco, bay leaf, and black olive. The tannins are firm but finely textured, giving the wine excellent structure without overwhelming the palate. A well-integrated oak influence provides hints of vanilla and spice, while a bright acidity keeps the wine fresh and energetic.

Finish: Exceptionally long and elegant, with lingering dark fruit, spice, and a subtle mineral edge. The tannins continue to soften as the wine opens, promising remarkable ageing potential over the next decade or more. A final note of graphite and roasted coffee lingers, adding depth and complexity.

Food Pairing:
Slow-roasted beef fillet with a black pepper and red wine reduction, where the wine’s bold structure and dark fruit complement the richness of the meat.
Wild mushroom and truffle pasta, as the savoury, earthy notes of the wine enhance the umami depth of the dish.