Grapevine: Vergenoegd Merlot 1999

Accountancy SA,  Jan 2003  

• E-mail
• Print
• Link

Veritas 2002 - Double Gold

Michelangelo International Wine Award 2002 - Silver

The Faure family has owned Vergenoegd for six generations. Historic Vergenoegd, the Dutch word meaning 'satisfaction has been achieved', was granted land rights in 1696 and the Faures have been on the farm since the 1820s. The Cape Dutch homestead is an historic monument and dates from 1773. The business is now in the capable hands of John Faure as Winemaker and Izak Strauss who is in charge of the financial and marketing side.

TASTING NOTES I Dense dark ruby with russet edge. Ripe plum fruit, sweet vanilla flavours - hint of mint, fragrant heather and violets. Rich, ripe, soft and lively tannins, good red berry plum fruit with lovely structure and super length.

IN THE CELLAR I The wine matured for 18 months in 54% French 1st fill barrels, 12% American 1st fill barrels, 4% Russian lst fill barrels, and 3% French 2nd fill barrels. A small percentage of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet used for structure and complexity. The wine was bottled on 30 April 2001.

AGEING POTENTIAL I A full flavoured structured wine that will mature well over the next six to ten years.

Wine tasted by wine.co.za and available for purchase via http:// www.wineseller.co.za

Copyright South African Institute of Chartered Accountants Jan 2003
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved