The 2021 vintage was the last from Véraison Vineyards. The wines listed below represent a complete and finite library of our production. Every bottle is a collector’s item, a piece of the Véraison story.
The Dauriac-Rolland Era (2011 – 2021)
Under the guidance of Christian Dauriac and Michel Rolland, our winemaking evolved to embrace 100% new French oak and a minimum of 18 months barrel ageing, creating wines of exceptional power and longevity.
Véraison Cabernet Sauvignon
A classic expression of Franschhoek Cabernet Sauvignon, our flagship wine is a testament to the power of patience. After a decade of cellaring, it reveals a complex bouquet of blackcurrant, cedar, and a hint of graphite. The palate is full-bodied and elegant, with fine-grained tannins and a long, savoury finish. A wine built to age, yet drinking beautifully now.
- Variety: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
- Appellation: Franschhoek, South Africa
- Ageing: 18+ months in 100% new French oak, 10+ years bottle ageing
Véraison Cape Blend
Our Cape Blend is a harmonious marriage of Cabernet Sauvignon with either Merlot or Shiraz, masterfully blended by Christian Dauriac and Michel Rolland. The result is a wine of great complexity and structure, with layers of dark fruit, spice, and earthy notes. The tannins are supple, and the finish is long and persistent. A true collector’s item and a hidden gem.
- Varieties: 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot or Shiraz
- Appellation: Franschhoek, South Africa
- Ageing: 18+ months in 100% new French oak, 10+ years bottle ageing
Final Vintage (2021) Production: 363 Magnums, 992 750ml bottles.
The Early Vintages (2006 – 2010)
Our early vintages were crafted as single-varietal Cabernet Sauvignon from our vines planted in 1999. Aged for 9 months in a combination of new and seasoned French oak barrels, they are wines of classic structure and elegance.
Véraison Cabernet Sauvignon (2006–2010)
Tasting Notes by Pieter Ferreira, Cellar Master, Graham Beck Wines (2012):
“The maiden 2006 vintage is ruby red in colour, aromas of sandalwood, cassis and tobacco are supported by hints of spice and a deep blackberry core. Richly textured, superbly concentrated and skillfully interwoven with delicate fruit sweetness. Has a full palate weight and well-rounded tannins combined with outstanding integration and length. A powerful, finely nuanced wine which will drink well for the next two years.”
“The maiden 2006 vintage is ruby red in colour with ripe black berry fruit and hints of chocolate on the nose. Full bodied with juicy mulberry and cherry and cedar oak flavours on the palate. Soft and subtle tannins with a balanced mouth feel and a long finish with a hint of cigar box flavours. This wine has a rich, juicy and intense palate with a long lingering finish.”
- Variety: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
- Appellation: Franschhoek, South Africa
- Ageing: 9 months in French oak (33% new, 33% 1-year-old, 33% 2-year-old), 10+ years bottle ageing
The Reserve: Legends of Africa
The Franschhoek valley is blessed with a climate perfectly suited for Cabernet Sauvignon. In truly special harvest years, we create a reserve wine we call Legends of Africa. Both our single-varietal Cabernet Sauvignon and our Cape Blends can hold this special distinction, representing the pinnacle of our production for that vintage. Read the individual tasting notes to discover more about these exceptional reserve wines.
- Varieties: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon or Cape Blend
- Appellation: Franschhoek, South Africa
- Ageing: 18+ months in 100% new French oak, 10+ years bottle ageing