Vergelegen First Thought Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

ORIGIN

The First Thought site is established on a north westerly slope with uniformly deep and rich Hutton soils, is 3,38 ha in size and planted to the “modern Bordelaise” favourite clone 169B. At an altitude of 170 metres above sea level and with excellent wind protection the site receives an average of 11,8 hours of sunlight in the growing season and ripens 10 – 14 days ahead of The Last Word. As a result, this site’s fruit is invariably riper, more accessible and has softer tannins. Note that these grapes come from a single vineyard/SV.

VINIFICATION

The grapes were picked in late March (23rd) and processed on the following day after being cooled down for 24 hours. All Vergelegen red grapes are sorted on conveyors and then destemmed but not crushed. The
wine mash was inoculated after 5 days with a commercial yeast strain. The entire liquid volume is moved over the skin cap 4-6 times a day to ensure maximum extraction of tannins and flavours. Pressing took place after 45 days of skin contact/maceration.

COMPOSITION

Cabernet Sauvignon 100%

ANALYSIS

Alc 14.19%
RS 3.18 g/l
TA 6.35 g/l
pH 3.51

MATURATION

After completion of malolactic fermentation the wine was matured in 100% new Taransaud 225 litre barrels for 18 months and bottled on 23rd January 2020.

Vergelegen First Thought Cabernet Sauvignon 2015

• Atkin – 93
• Platter – ’92 – 4½ stars

Vergelegen First Thought Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

• Atkin – 92

First Thought Cabernet Sauvignon 2015