Vilafonté Series M 2023
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 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 2023
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 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+.
Vilafonte Series C 2022
The Blend
22 months in 73% new French oak barrique, with the balance in older French oak.
Series C 2022 consists of Cabernet Sauvignon (56%), Merlot (24%), Cabernet Franc (10%) and Malbec (10%).
64 barrels were produced.
A compelling expression of Series C with a quiet reflection of the time and place.
It presents a deep, dark-red core to garnet edge. The aromatics are captivating, leading with an exotic blend of jasmine and oud perfume, interwoven with layers of blue and black fruits — Damson plum, blackberry, and cassis. A subtle hint of dried citrus peel and smoky char adds complexity. On the palate, this wine is broad and dense, yet exhibits an understated elegance. It moves gracefully, with a svelte texture that coats the mouth. The dense, sweet fruit is complemented by a fine, dark chocolate
finish, leading to a long, generous aftertaste. While the 2022 Series C is remarkably 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 2022
Series M 2022
Immersive & Engaging
Expect this vintage of Series M to provide increasing finesse and pleasure over time. It’s colour is deep, garnet-red colour with a dense centre. The entry is pure-fruited and focused, showcasing a vibrant medley of pomegranate, cranberry, raspberry, and blueberry compote. These are layered with sweet notes of crème brûlée and vanilla pod, complemented by intriguing hints of tarragon, cardamom, and a touch of savoury character. On the palate, the wine is broad and luscious from the first sip, with plush, crushed velvet tannins. The palate continues seamlessly from the nose, with abundant red fruits leading to a long, delicious finish.
While the 2022 Series M is remarkably 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.
The Blend
22 months in 30% new French oak barrique, with the balance in older French oak.
Series M 2022 consists of Merlot (40%), Malbec (39%), Cabernet Sauvignon (16%) and Cabernet Franc (5%).
80 barrels were produced.
Vilafonte Seriously Old Dirt 2022
Vilafonté Seriously Old Dirt 2022 is a vibrant, medium-bodied South African red with an enticing mix of black and red fruits, floral lift and warm spice. It’s plush on the palate with silky tannins, fresh acidity and a savory finish, making it both enjoyable now and capable of developing further in bottle.
Critics’ scores
James Suckling: 93–94 / 100
Rich, polished and fruit-driven with a creamy texture and good depth.
Wine Advocate (Robert Parker): ~93 / 100
Structured, concentrated, and well balanced with dark fruit and savoury complexity.
Wine Spectator: 91–92 / 100
Solid, well-made Bordeaux-style blend with good freshness and length.
Tim Atkin MW: ~91 / 100
Well judged, harmonious, and true to the Vilafonté style.
Vinous (Neal Martin): 89 / 100
More restrained and herbal in style, medium-bodied with good balance but less power than top peers.
Vilafonte Series C 2021
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 2019
The Vilafonte Series C 2019 displays an intense ruby-purple colour and a vibrant, crimson rim. Dense on opening, this blend offers seductively fragrant layers of blackberry, cassis and baked plum, perfectly offset by a savoury, hoisin sauce note. Opulent floral notes; violet and lilac harmoniously blend to fresh-crushed juniper berry, pencil shavings, nuanced dark chocolate and sweet, warm
nutmeg. The palate reveals a plush, expansive entry, with vivid continuity. Fine-grained tannins throughout embody a cashmere embrace, building on the fine and assertive structure. Sumptuous black berry fruits are expressive and well-defined, underpinned by a mouth-watering core with effortlessly long finish. While alluring in its youth, the 2019 Series C promises a decade or more of cellaring to realise its full potential.
The Blend
Twenty-two months in seventy-four percent new French oak barrique, with the balance in older French oak.
Series C 2019 consists of Cabernet Sauvignon (fifty-six percent), equal parts Merlot and Malbec (twenty percent each) and Cabernet Franc (four percent).
Forty-six barrels were produced.
96+/100 Greg Sherwood MW
95/100 Deano da Vino
