Vilafonté Series M 2011
Vilafonté Series M 2021
This sensuous wine embodies a refined style and dignified elegance. A Malbec and Merlot dominant blend, opulent in nature, with a defining structure of Cabernet Sauvignon.
22 months in 26% new French oak barrique. A blend of Merlot (41%), Malbec (35%), Cabernet Sauvignon (17%) and Cabernet Franc (7%).
Only 78 barrels were produced.
Mysterious & Potent
A masterpiece. The Series M 2021 is enticingly dense with complex and exotic aromas and rich with
flavour, owing to the Merlot and Malbec components that define this blend.
It presents an opaque purple-black hue, with little variation from its centre to the glass’s edge. As it
unwinds in the glass, savoury charcuterie and sweet baking spices give way to fragrant, zesty bergamot
and jasmine tea. Seductively well-articulated fruit notes of ripe mulberry, blackberry and red currants are complemented by hints of star anise and dried mandarin rind. A subtle underlying ferrous tone of intrigue. The palate is beautifully round and effortlessly long. A texture reminiscent of crushed velvet envelops the senses, revealing a pleasurable structure, abundant yet precise power, and a supple, mouth-coating quality. Gorgeous umami flavours of Parma ham harmonize seamlessly with a saline minerality, culminating in an intense, fruit-driven finish. While the 2021 Series M is already complete in its youth, this blend will reward those who exercise
patience, as it continues to evolve and develop complexity. Enjoy now or cellar for two decades or more.
Vilafonte Series C 2020
Series C 2021
Sumptuous & Measured
Series C 2021 represents a vivid expression of our unique vilafonté site.
It exhibits a dark red-black coloured centre and brightly ruby-rimmed edge. Opening unhurriedly it reveals a layered aromatic palette with notes of incense and violet blossom that segue to delicious black plum, fresh black currants and Boysenberries. Subtle hints of sandalwood, sappy juniper and blonde tobacco gradually emerge with further time in the glass. The palate is luscious, with silky tannins and linear progression that finish with great presence and length. Generous fruit expression adds dimension to this elegant and impeccably well-balanced wine.
While the 2021 Series C is already complete in its youth, this blend will reward those who exercise patience, as it continues to evolve and develop complexity. Enjoy now or cellar for two decades or more.
99/100 Anthony Mueller, Wine Advocate, December 2023
"Flirting with triple digits, the 2021 Series C is constructed of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. Still incredibly tight yet exuding that special “it” factor, the red blend is layered with gorgeous dark red and succulent black fruit tones with gobs of attractive oak essences that sway with power and finesse. If you're a cult California Cabernet collector, you'll want to add this to your cellar as fast as possible. Just under 20,000 bottles rested for about two years in French oak barrels, 81% new. It's utterly profound."
Vilafonte Series C 2013
Series C 2021
Sumptuous & Measured
Series C 2021 represents a vivid expression of our unique vilafonté site.
It exhibits a dark red-black coloured centre and brightly ruby-rimmed edge. Opening unhurriedly it reveals a layered aromatic palette with notes of incense and violet blossom that segue to delicious black plum, fresh black currants and Boysenberries. Subtle hints of sandalwood, sappy juniper and blonde tobacco gradually emerge with further time in the glass. The palate is luscious, with silky tannins and linear progression that finish with great presence and length. Generous fruit expression adds dimension to this elegant and impeccably well-balanced wine.
While the 2021 Series C is already complete in its youth, this blend will reward those who exercise patience, as it continues to evolve and develop complexity. Enjoy now or cellar for two decades or more.
99/100 Anthony Mueller, Wine Advocate, December 2023
"Flirting with triple digits, the 2021 Series C is constructed of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. Still incredibly tight yet exuding that special “it” factor, the red blend is layered with gorgeous dark red and succulent black fruit tones with gobs of attractive oak essences that sway with power and finesse. If you're a cult California Cabernet collector, you'll want to add this to your cellar as fast as possible. Just under 20,000 bottles rested for about two years in French oak barrels, 81% new. It's utterly profound."
Vilafonté Series M 2021
Vilafonté Series M 2021
This sensuous wine embodies a refined style and dignified elegance. A Malbec and Merlot dominant blend, opulent in nature, with a defining structure of Cabernet Sauvignon.
22 months in 26% new French oak barrique. A blend of Merlot (41%), Malbec (35%), Cabernet Sauvignon (17%) and Cabernet Franc (7%).
Only 78 barrels were produced.
Mysterious & Potent
A masterpiece. The Series M 2021 is enticingly dense with complex and exotic aromas and rich with
flavour, owing to the Merlot and Malbec components that define this blend.
It presents an opaque purple-black hue, with little variation from its centre to the glass’s edge. As it
unwinds in the glass, savoury charcuterie and sweet baking spices give way to fragrant, zesty bergamot
and jasmine tea. Seductively well-articulated fruit notes of ripe mulberry, blackberry and red currants are complemented by hints of star anise and dried mandarin rind. A subtle underlying ferrous tone of intrigue. The palate is beautifully round and effortlessly long. A texture reminiscent of crushed velvet envelops the senses, revealing a pleasurable structure, abundant yet precise power, and a supple, mouth-coating quality. Gorgeous umami flavours of Parma ham harmonize seamlessly with a saline minerality, culminating in an intense, fruit-driven finish. While the 2021 Series M is already complete in its youth, this blend will reward those who exercise
patience, as it continues to evolve and develop complexity. Enjoy now or cellar for two decades or more.
Vilafonté Series M 2020
Vilafonté Series M 2020
Reticent & Commanding
The Series M 2020 possesses a regal, dignified character. Beautifully nuanced, showing an attractive tension and energy. It displays a great density of red to black colour and magenta-tinged rim. Seductive aromas of cranberry and ripe cherry fluently segue to lush notes of black raspberry, blueberry and subtle dried thyme, owing to the Merlot and Malbec components of this blend. Lifted rose petal, blonde tobacco, cacao and warm orange rind add layers of complexity. The palate is deftly poised, with consistent weight throughout and framed by ripe, supple tannins and elegant acidity. Smooth on entry, then broadening to display fine satin-textured tannins that envelop the palate and culminating in a soft, round finish of plum, raspberry and milk chocolate. While alluring in its youth, the 2020 Series M promises a decade or more of cellaring to realise its full potential.
The Blend
Twenty-two months in twelve percent new French oak barrique, with the balance in older French oak. Series M 2020 consists of Merlot (forty-three), Malbec (thirty-seven percent), Cabernet Sauvignon (fourteen percent) and Cabernet Franc (six percent). Sixty-five barrels were produced.
96/100 Greg Sherwood
The 2020 Series M from Vilafonte reverts back to a right bank Merlot dominated blend with a 43% Merlot, 37% Malbec, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Cabernet Franc assemblage and stands out as being particularly old world and classical in style showing pronounced notes of dusty limestone, sweet violets, lilac, dried herbs, sweet cedar, piquant black currants, black cherry and an intense black chocolate cocoa spice. But it’s the palate structure that departs from many more recent vintage releases of Series M revealing a notable St Emilion / Pomerol style elegance, richly illustrated by a fine-grained mineral restraint and a classically pithy black berry complexity that delivers a compelling tension combined with subtle hedonistic nuances. This Series M seems so very grown up, multi-dimensional and mineral-laden, finishing with mouth coating powdery tannins and a soft, plush, understated mocha-laden persistence. Another wonderful expression with incredible energy, intricate earthy accents and a seamless mineral patina. Drink from 2024 to 2040+.
Zorgvliet Richelle 2019
Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon–led, with Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot in support.
Aroma & Palate: Concentrated blackcurrant, cassis and mulberry with violet, graphite and cedar. Layers of plum, leather, dried herbs, spice, tobacco leaf and a touch of eucalyptus. Rich but refined, with fine-grained tannins.
Structure & Finish: Powerful yet elegant; long, savoury finish with hints of mocha, dark chocolate and subtle salinity.
Bodega Norton Privada Family Blend 2023
The Bodega Norton Privada Family Blend 2023 is an Argentine red wine from the Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza region, composed of 40% Malbec, 30% Merlot, and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. It is aged for 16 months in French oak, resulting in a deep ruby-red wine with aromas of ripe fruit, spice, and vanilla, and a rich, full-bodied palate with smooth tannins. The wine is praised for its complexity and is often paired with red meats and aged cheeses.
Yarra Yering Dry Red No. 1 2019
Yarra Yering Dry Red No. 1 2019
Fruit power is the hallmark of this blend, dark berry fruits and some sage adding a background herbal lift. Christmas cake mixed spice and a whisper of oak; all in balance. Beautiful fruit, a bright acid drive and tannins that form a solid foundation for a long future. Brooding but not intimidating, always exciting to watch evolve.
Varietals: 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 12% Malbec, 6% Petit Verdot
Reviews
3 Merit Wine – The Real Review Wine Classification of Australia
Wine of The Year, Halliday Wine Companion 2022
Red Wine of The Year, Halliday Wine Companion 2022
Best Cabernet & Family, Halliday Wine Companion 2022
99 Points – Tyson Stelzer, WBM (Aust Wine Business Magazine)
98 Points – Halliday Wine Companion 2022
96 Points – Huon Hooke, The Real Review
Gold Medal, Sydney Royal Wine Show 2021
17/20 – Tamlyn Currin, JancisRobinson.com 2025
Hartenberg The MacKenzie 2021
Hartenberg The McKenzie 2021
TASTING NOTES:
Enticing aromas of blackberries, fynbos, and a hint of dark chocolate on the nose. The palate showcases vibrant blackcurrants and raspberries, layered with smoky undertones. A plush, enveloping texture is balanced by fine, grippy tannins, culminating in a long, satisfying finish - a true masterclass in the craft of blending.
Decanting 2-3 hrs prior to service is recommended
4 ½ stars Platter’s SA Wine Guide
Finalist in 2021 Diners Club Winemaker of the year
Deano da Vino - I drank a 2013 in 2022 and it was off the charts so I feel the bottle lifespan has many more years than the producers recommendation, see FB post - https://www.facebook.com/groups/drinksawine/permalink/713494569675505/
Klein Constantia Estate Red 2020
Klein Constantia Estate Red 2020 is deep ruby red in appearance. A lively nose bursting with flavours of strawberries, raspberries, red peppercorns with a delicate oak spice. Full-bodied with dense grippy tannins and a powerful mid palate, flavours of red fruit follow with an elegant backbone. The palate is refined and elegant, ending with a long rich finish.
Grape variety 69 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Malbec & 3% Petit Verdot
93/100 James Suckling
Raats Red Jasper 2022
Raats Red Jasper 2022, is a blend of 49% Cabernet Franc, 35% Malbec, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3.5% Merlot and 3.5% Petit Verdot, we encounter an incredibly plush, luscious, approachable red blend brimming with earthy red berry fruits, aromatics of violets and sweet lavender, dried baking herbs and subtle notes of graphite and lead pencil. On the palate, the wine is medium bodied and plush, soft textured but also fleshy, creamy and deliciously accessible boasting toasty notes of black currant, damson plum and sour black cherries. A very compact and complete wine on release, this cuvee might not rise to the heights of the 2021, but in a funny kind of way, consumers desiring instant enjoyment now may actually love the 2022’s creamy opulence more than the bracing acid structure of the 2021. This wine simply gets better and better every vintage. Well done Bruwer!
93/100 GSMW (review c/o.)
(Wine Safari Score: 93/100 Greg Sherwood MW)
Food suggestions Venison dishes / lazy-aged sirloin or rib-eye / Hard cheese
TOKARA Director’s Reserve Red 2021
TOKARA Director’s Reserve Red 2020
The wine has stunning depth of colour with an intense garnet centre and a ruby rim. The nose showcases complex aromas of dried tobacco leaf, subtle violet flower, dried currants, baking spice and graphite. The wine enters the palate with incredible purity and
focus. Flavours are those of dark cherries, blackberries and ripe plum skin. Sumptuous and full there is a hint of spice on the mid-palate which leads to fine yet dense tannins and a lengthy finish.
This wine is a blend of 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Petit Verdot, 10% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 3% Malbec. The grapes originated from TOKARA’s premium vineyards on the slopes of the Simonsberg Mountain outside of Stellenbosch.
Food pairing: Grilled ribeye steak served with Béarnaise sauce, and potato Dauphinoise.
