Vergelegen is a special property dating back to the early 1700s, which is nestled far away (hence its name) to the south of Stellenbosch, in the wilds of the majestic Helderberg mountain. With the 2023 vintage, cellarmaster Luke O’Cuinneagain’s first full harvest at Vergelegen, the estate’s flagship wine, V, returned to the original vision of being a varietal cabernet sauvignon. Sourced from Pinedene and Glenrosa soils on the etsate, the 2025 vintage of V continues in that vein, though with a splash of 3% petit verdot and 2% cabernet franc which lifts the aromatic (our buyer tasted the pure cabernet version vs. this version and the addition of the petit and cab franc makes for a more complete, exciting wine). The perfume here is both beguiling and beautiful, with a floral character, as well as wild mint, damson and cassis. For Luke, the perfume recalls that of the 2017 vintage. Complex and dense on the palate – with layers and layers of concentrated blackcurrant, plum and star-anise spice packed tightly into a significant tannic framework – this is both powerful and polished, while simultaneously carrying great tension. There is a revitalising freshness, as well as a drive to the wine. With a savoury, spicy finish, which goes on and on, this statuesque V is one for the long haul. Drink from 2032 to 2050. 14.5%
