Vergelegen DNA 2013 1.5L Magnum

WINEMAKERS NOTE

2013 was a warm year with very good healthy grapes at perfect ripeness. And vastly superior to the highly regarded 2007 and 2009 vintages. Picking started for the DNA on the 5th of March and finished on the 14th of April 2013 (Cabernet). The wine was bottled on the 30th of October 2014. Total volume bottled was 19 000 standard bottles and 30 magnums.

ORIGIN

The grapes were all selected from Vergelegen’s Kopland and Rooiland & Rondekop vineyards, planted on the north to north-westerly slopes.  Row direction east to west.

VINIFICATION

Grapes were hand-picked and de-stemmed but not crushed. The de-stemmed grapes were cooled to 8°C and ‘cold soaked’ for 168 hours.  Fermentation took place at 25°C followed by a 37 day maceration on the skins. After malolactic fermentation in stainless steel tanks, the wine went into 100% new French oak barrels for 16 months.

COMPOSITION

Cabernet Franc                 75%
Merlot                                 20%
Petit Verdot                       5%

ANALYSIS

Alc  14.39%
RS  2.5 g/l
TA  5.1 g/l
pH  3.62

MATURATION

Accessible now but will also reward further maturation in bottle. Released December 2021.

Vergelegen DNA 2013

• Atkin – 94
• Martin – 92
• Platter – ’90 – 4½ stars