Vergelegen Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2018

Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
Vergelegen
Label Name:
 
Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot
Vintage:
 
2018
Country:
 
South Africa
Region:
 
Stellenbosch, Western Cape
Volume:
 
750ml
ABV:
 
14%
Grape(s):
 
62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc, 2% Malbec
Acidity:
 
3
Tannins:
 
4
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
4
Length:
 
4
Aroma Intensity:
 
4
Best Temperature:
 
16-18°C

Awards/Ratings
92/100 (Twilight Wines review, 2023); tasting note and recommendation (drink through 2028) from Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge (dégusté 2022); reviewed by Jancis Robinson (tasted 30 Oct 2021)

Tasting Note
Medium-deep ruby; aromas of blackcurrant, black cherry, cassis, pencil shavings, cedar, tobacco and coffee. Concentrated yet elegant palate with fine-grained tannins, balanced acidity and a long, spicy finish.

Food Pairing
Western: grilled rib‑eye, slow‑braised lamb shank, beef risotto, short ribs. Asian: Korean BBQ (bulgogi/galbi), Chinese char siu or braised beef, teriyaki steak, spicy Sichuan beef.

Production Method
Hand-harvested fruit, refrigerated cold-storage, de-stemmed (not crushed), cold soak and temperature-controlled fermentation with extended maceration; matured in French oak barrels before bottling.

Vineyard Info
Vergelegen estate (Somerset West/Stellenbosch) — historic, conservation-focused property owned by Anglo American; André van Rensburg long-term cellarmaster with consulting input from Michel Rolland.