SA winemaker scores in top journal

25 May 2011

South African winemaker Vergelegen Estate has received several accolades in the critically acclaimed International Wine Cellar journal, with eight of its 11 wines being awarded a score of at least 90 points, based on the US 100-point scoring system.

International Wine Cellar editor and publisher Stephen Tanzer samples more than 10 000 wines annually, and his independent journal, also translated into French and Japanese, is read by wine lovers in 28 countries across the globe.

Veregelegen MD Don Tooth said the awards were "an important milestone in recognising South Africa as a leading performer in the notoriously competitive top league of world wines".

The 2009 Estate White Blend and the 2004 Estate Premium Red Wine received 94 points; the 2010 Sauvignon Blanc Reserve received 93 points; the 2010 Sauvignon Blanc, the 2009 Chardonnay Reserve, the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve and the 2006 "V" received 91 points; and the 2007 Merlot Reserve received 90 points.

The estate's 2008 Chardonnay and 2007 Shiraz received 89 points, while the 2006 Merlot/ Cabernet Sauvignon Mill Race received 87 points.

Award-winning wines

With its world-renowned handcrafted wines, 310 year old history and heritage, exquisite gardens and refined cuisine, Vergelegen Estate in Somerset West deems itself to be the choice of the discerning visitor seeking a total sensory experience.

The estate's wines have won several gold medals at the International Wine & Spirit Competition, such as for their 2003 Vergelegen Red (in 2008), 2003 Vergelegen Auction Reserve Sauvignon Blanc (2007), 2003 Vergelegen Red and 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon (2006), 2000 Vergelegen Red and 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon (2005).

In 2008, the estate's Vergelegen White had secured five-star status for six consecutive years in the John Platter Guide.

It was also chosen as the Best Winery in the Wine Magazine in 2008, and was chosen as the Best Winery and Best South African Winery by the same magazine in 2007 and 2006.

SAinfo reporter