VERGELEGEN MERLOT - 2001

Vergelegen, meaning "situated far away," is a winery in Stellenbosch, South Africa. Once an uncultivated land with 21 different soil types, Vergelegen is now a paradise with camphor and oak trees, orange groves, orchards and of course, grape vines. The first vines at Vergelegen were planted in 1700 by Willem Adriaan van der Stel. In 1989, Anglo American Farms planted the first vineyards.

The grapes used in this Merlot were sourced from a French Bordeaux clone and an Italian clone. The wine is made from 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc.

TASTING NOTES:

The nose is rich with bacon fat, spice and dark fruit. The mid-palate is enormous with incredibly intense flavors of smoked pork and spiced wood. The finish is strong, long and flavorful bursting with sweet plum and a hint of cocoa.

SCORE & RECOMMENDATION:

93 PTS
This is an unusual and phenomenal Merlot. It does not offer the kinds of flavors you expect from Merlot. Silky, complex and utterly delicious. The concentration, clarity and intensity of flavors inspire awe. The whopping 15% alcohol is undetectable. A simply amazing wine! Purchased on sale for $21 and already regretting that I only bought one bottle.