This Stellenbosch wine is a blend of all five Bordeaux varietals, hence the 'V' in the name. This vintage is 56% CS, 20% CF, 10% Merlot, 10% Malbec and 4% PV.
The gravity (no pumps) cellar ferments the grapes for around 5 days, punching down three times daily, basket presses it and matures it in a mix of new French and American barrels for 12 months. This was their first vintage of this wine and I thought it would be time to have a look at it. My notes would easily fit any Bordeaux as there was no hint of the influence of American oak in this wine.
Medium dark, with a nose primarily of black fruit and hints of cherry, a smooth presentation on palate, tasty smooth and long on palate with some coffee and coconut hinst creeping in with extended airing. Ready now and holding.
Most interesting to me, as I hold regular blind tastings, is that it could easily be taken for very decent left bank Bordeaux! I intend to investigate later vintages in the near future (I have a decades worth up to the 2013 vintage and this was the first bottle I have opened).