Vergelegen, Merlot Reserve 2019

Vergelegen Wine Estate, one of South Africa’s most historic and respected wineries, has been producing exceptional wines since its founding in 1700. Located in Somerset West, the estate benefits from a unique combination of maritime influence, well-drained granite soils, and meticulous vineyard management. The Vergelegen Reserve Merlot 2019 is a testament to the estate’s commitment to crafting world-class single-varietal wines, showcasing the elegance and complexity that Merlot can achieve in Stellenbosch’s cool-climate sites.

The grapes for the Vergelegen Reserve Merlot 2019 come from vineyards planted on decomposed granite soils with excellent drainage, which helps regulate vine vigour and concentrate flavours. The cooling breezes from False Bay slow ripening, ensuring balanced acidity and refined tannins. The wine undergoes traditional vinification with extended skin contact for enhanced depth, followed by 18 months of maturation in 225L French oak barrels (30% new), adding complexity and structure while preserving fruit purity.

Appearance: Deep ruby with a garnet-tinged rim, showing both concentration and a slight evolution. The core remains intensely coloured, almost opaque, hinting at the wine’s depth and richness. The edges transition to a softer red, suggesting early maturity while maintaining vibrancy. The wine clings to the glass, forming slow-moving, well-defined legs, a sign of its generous texture and well-integrated alcohol.

Aroma: Expressive and layered, with ripe plum, black cherry, and cassis leading the way. Subtle notes of cedar, dark chocolate, and baking spices emerge from oak ageing, while hints of dried herbs, graphite, and a touch of truffle add further depth. There’s an inviting warmth to the nose, balancing fruit ripeness with savoury complexity.

Taste: Silky and refined, with juicy red and black fruit supported by velvety tannins. Dark plum, blackberry, and redcurrant dominate the mid-palate, with underlying savoury notes of tobacco leaf, bay leaf, and a touch of espresso. The acidity is bright but well-integrated, ensuring freshness and balance, while the oak influence is subtle, contributing spice and a touch of vanilla without overwhelming the purity of fruit.

Finish: Exceptionally long and polished, with fine tannins that slowly fade, leaving behind notes of dark cherry, mocha, and a hint of dried herbs. The lingering minerality and a whisper of graphite add finesse, while a final touch of cocoa and black pepper completes the wine’s elegant and structured profile. The finish is both savoury and fruit-driven, suggesting further complexity with age

Food Pairing:
Roast duck with a cherry and thyme glaze, where the wine’s dark fruit and earthy notes complement the richness of the dish.
Aged cheddar and caramelised onion tart, as the wine’s silky texture and savoury undertones balance the umami depth of the cheese.