The 2005 Vergenoegd Cabernet Sauvignon is a clear Top Pick for this month. Vergenoegd is one of the oldest wine estates in South Africa and the estate’s Cabernet embodies all the attributes that have made Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon both exciting and unique. Vergenoegd’s deep, intense flavors mingle berry fruit, chocolate, coffee, and the special terroir of Stellenbosch to render each sip a new experience. Several caveats, however: never judge a South African red by the first sip, allow Vergenoegd’s 2005 Cabernet plenty of aeration, and serve all traditional South African Cabernets with a hearty meat or vegetarian dish. Like the finest red wines of Italy, South African reds are not giant fruit bombs built exclusively for tastings. They do, however, shine at table and stand the test of time.
My other Top Pick this month is the 2010 Bouchard Père et Fils Pouilly-Fuissé. Why? It epitomizes Chardonnay, and offers a tasty draught of white Burgundy without smoke or mirrors. It also demonstrates why first rate Pouilly-Fuissé is one of the most popular French wines in America. It’s elegant, flavorful, and so easy to drink, so I want for nothing.
A Votre Santé!
Don
