2008 Vergelegen "V"

(100% cabernet sauvignon; this is winemaker Andre van Rensburg's more internationally styled flagship wine): Bright, dark red-ruby. Aromas of black raspberry, mocha, licorice, tar and bitter chocolate are sweetened by sexy oak and accented by a light herbal element. Juicy and penetrating on the palate, with a powerful spine of acidity giving terrific cut to the currant, blackberry, licorice, mint and tar flavors. Strong tannins give grip to the finish but suggest energetic extraction. This wine was aged for 20 months in all-new French oak and held back for another 2+ years before being released, but it still calls for several years of additional cellaring.