WINES

Vergelegen's winemaking philosophy is simple : there must be harmony between the old and the new.

CABERNET SAUVIGNON 1997

The wine is typical of cool climate viticulture with herbaceous undertones. The nose is backed by berries, cedar wood and mint. The palate is rich and soft with lots of ripe tannins. The after taste is long with a dry finish. Perfect with Rare Roast Beef, Leg of Lamb or any prime red meat. Most enjoyable on its own.

	AWARDS
	Veritas Awards 1999 : Silver Veritas Awards 1998 : Gold
	Origin
	All Vergelegen, grown and produced. The 1997 Cabernet comes from the single Rondekop vineyards. The Rondekop hill is windswept and this forces the yields down, resulting in an increase in quality.
	Vinification
	The grapes were crushed and destemmed before fermentation. A local yeast, WE 372, was used to carry out the fermentation at 32?C. After the completion of fermentation, the wine was kept in contact with the skins for another 3 weeks before light pressing. The wine was matured in 225 lt casks for 14 months before bottling. Prior to bottling the wine received an egg white fining to round it off.
	Composition
	The wine is a blend of 91 % Cabernet Sauvignon from the 1997 vintage. 9 % Merlot from the 1998 vintage was added to provide more fruit and suppleness.
	Analysis
	13.3 % Alc 3.6 g/l RS 5 g/l TA 3.68 pH 34.7 g/l Extract
	Maturation
	The wine is delicious right now but should be put away for 3 years.

WINES

CABERNET SAUVIGNON 1997

AWARDS

Origin

Vinification

Composition

Analysis

Maturation