Vergelegen’s iconic V wine returns

The legacy of Vergelegen’s flagship wine, V, continues with the release of the 2022 vintage, an outstanding expression of this renowned Somerset West estate’s diverse terroir and the expertise of its viticultural and winemaking teams.

First created from the 2001 vintage and launched in 2005, V has built a formidable reputation for its elegance, structure, and cellaring potential. Previous vintages, in particular the 2005, 2015, and 2017 editions, have achieved legendary status. The 2022 vintage continues this tradition, with wine critic Tim Atkin awarding it 95+ points.

This release also marks a fresh chapter for V, with elegant new labelling and packaging that reinforces the wine’s status while appealing to contemporary collectors.

“Patience is a virtue ‒ and never has this felt more true,” says winemaker Luke O’Cuinneagain. “With age comes wisdom and complexity, and so it is with wine.

“V is a snapshot of a moment in time, capturing the essence of our geography and geology, as well as the human touch. Through what often feels like alchemy, we transform grapes into a true expression of the soil and climate, crafted for generations to discover and savour.”

Vineyard blocks

V 2022 is a Bordeaux-style blend comprising 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Petit Verdot, 13% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Franc.

Grapes were handpicked from vineyard blocks Stonepine 1 and Rondekop 4 (Cabernet Sauvignon), Rondekop 10 (Merlot), Rondekop 1 (Cabernet Franc) and Dorsland (Petit Verdot) ‒ a composition that also reveals the influences of Hutton, Oakleaf and Pinedene soils.

“This wine is a glimpse into our landscape,” explains O’Cuinneagain. “It’s a story told through geology, geography, and craft ‒ the estate’s DNA in a bottle.”

Maturation and tasting notes

Matured in a selection of the finest French oak barrels for 18 months, the wine was blended after 12 months and returned to barrel to ensure seamless integration and refinement. It was bottled on 17 March 2023.

On the nose, this vibrant wine opens with enticing aromas of ripe blackberries, dark cherries, and violets, layered with subtle spice and earthy undertones.

The palate is smooth and full-bodied, featuring juicy red and black fruit flavours, well-integrated tannins, and nuanced oak, concluding with a long, elegant finish featuring cocoa and a hint of pepper. Though accessible now, V 2022 is built to evolve gracefully with time.

Availability and pricing

V 2022 is released in extremely limited quantities ‒ just 1155 cases (6 x 750ml) have been produced. Packaging options include a luxurious single bottle box, a three-pack, and a six-pack case.

The cellar door and Vergelegen online shop prices are R2 000 per bottle, or R12 000 per case of six.