Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc
75cl * 14.5% ABV * Paarl, South Africa
The vision that brought together the three founding Vilafonté partners, is the culmination of a life-long dream and the first American and South African joint wine-making venture. Mike Ratcliffe is a leader in the Cape wine industry, Zelma Long is one of America’s best-known winemakers, who began her wine-making career at the Robert Mondavi winery where she was soon promoted to Chief Winemaker, and Dr. Phil Freese designed and planted the first Opus One vineyards. These days Vilafonté is considered one of the most pioneering wineries in South Africa.
Founded in 1996, the 42 hectare estate sits on the bench of the Simonsberg Mountains with its unique vilafontes soils. It is from these unique soils – which are between 750,000 and 1.5 million years old – that the winery derives its name. The first vineyards were planted in 1998 followed by a smaller section being planted in 1999. Vilafonté's flagship range is a duo of Bordeaux blends; Series C and Series M, exclusively produced from grapes grown on its own property. The former a Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc dominant blend whilst the latter is Malbec and Merlot dominant. Both are blended for longevity and barrel-aged in a combination of new and used French oak barrels.
The Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc defines the style of this Series C wine. Firm, powerful and concentrated; rich in fruit at release and blended for longevity. Velvety in nature with primary red fruits While alluring in its youth, the Vilafonté Series C promises a decade or more of cellaring to realise its full potential.
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.
This wine will pair beautifully with roasted beef and venison but also Chinese and Moroccan fare with clove and star-anise elements, think pork spare ribs or chicken pastillas.