VILAFONTE Series C - Paarl 2019 Bottle (los)
Red Still Wine | South Africa | Stellenbosch | 75cl
£79.95 / £479.70 case
ABV: 14.5%
Size: 75cl
Closure Type: Cork
Country: South Africa
Region: Stellenbosch
Wine Style: Full Bodied
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot
Description
IN BRIEF
Introducing the magnificent Vilafonté Series C 2019, an extraordinary blend that captures the essence of South African winemaking. Earning 97 points from The Wine Advocate and 93 points from Vinous, this wine showcases a stunning fusion of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Malbec for unparalleled complexity. Its deep crimson hue captivates the eye while the alluring bouquet reveals layers of ripe blackcurrants, dark cherries, and rich plums accented by cedar, tobacco, and spices. On the palate, enjoy luxurious flavors, velvety tannins, and a hint of minerality leading to an elegant finish. Perfect with grilled steaks, roasted lamb, or gourmet cheeses, this wine transforms any occasion into a memorable experience. Don’t miss your chance to grab a bottle today!
ABOUT THIS WINE
Introducing the magnificent Vilafonté Series C 2019, an extraordinary blend that epitomises the heart and soul of South African winemaking. This wine is not just a beverage; it's an experience that promises to excite your palate and elevate any occasion.
Crafted from a meticulous selection of Bordeaux varietals, Series C showcases a striking fusion of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Malbec, resulting in a wine of unparalleled complexity and character. The striking deep crimson hue captivates the eye, while the alluring bouquet enchants your senses with layers of ripe blackcurrants, dark cherries, and rich plums, complemented by nuances of cedar, tobacco, and spices. Each inhale reveals the dedication and artistry that went into its creation.
On the palate, Series C 2019 unfolds a luxurious tapestry of flavours, where lush fruitiness is embraced by velvety tannins and a hint of minerality. The wine is beautifully structured, offering a balance of richness and finesse. With a long, elegant finish, it tantalises the senses, leaving you eager for the next sip.
Perfect for pairing with grilled steaks, roasted lamb, or gourmet cheeses, this wine enhances any meal, transforming dining into an unforgettable experience. The Vilafonté Series C is also an ideal choice for celebrations or quiet moments of indulgence, adding a touch of sophistication to any gathering.
Raise a glass to the artistry of Vilafonté and savour the magic of Southern Africa's terroir. Whether you are a seasoned wine lover or a curious explorer, Series C 2019 is a must-have addition to your collection. Don’t miss the chance to indulge in this vibrant, opulent gem—purchase a bottle today and let the indulgence begin!
THE WINE ADVOCATE 97 points
Drink Date: 2024 - 2045
The 2019 Series C opens with a broad and structured nose that displays elegant oak tones and a juicy and fresh frame of succulent dark red fruits, offering power and finesse with a delightful mineral essence that overflows with plum skin and spiced cherries. Medium to full-bodied, the Series C offers a fine-grained tannic edge that possesses the focus, elegance and precision of a world-class wine. Vibrant acidity excites the palate with a succulent balance across the mid-palate, revealing layers of complexity as the wine somersaults to a long, lingering, juicy, oak-tinged finish. This is some of South Africa’s finest juice, which has me smitten. Bravo! I’m going to finish the glass! Give it one more year in the bottle and drink it over the next couple of decades.
VINOUS 93 points
The 2019 Series C has a lovely tobacco and sage-tinged bouquet, a touch of white pepper developing with time. This has a strictness that I admire. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit, fine acidity and elegant tannins with a harmonious and persistent finish. I think this has the edge of the Series "M", and it should age well for a number of years. - Neal Martin
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ABOUT VILAFONTE
Vilafonté is a prestigious winery located in the Stellenbosch region of South Africa, renowned for producing high-quality wines that embody the unique terroir of the area. Established in 1996, Vilafonté is the result of a collaboration between respected winemakers from the United States and South Africa, bringing together a wealth of expertise and innovation in the wine industry.
The winery is particularly known for its red blends, which typically feature prominent varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Malbec. These wines are crafted to reflect the distinct characteristics of the terroir, showcasing the rich, diverse soils and the ideal climate of the Stellenbosch region. Vilafonté’s philosophy centres on minimal intervention in the winemaking process, allowing the natural qualities of the grapes to shine through. This approach is complemented by meticulous vineyard management, including sustainable farming practices that promote the health of the vines and the environment.
Vilafonté produces several signature blends, notably "Series C," "Series M," and "Series L," each embodying a unique expression of the chosen grape varietals and vineyard sites. The wines are typically characterized by their elegance, balance, and depth, appealing to both casual wine drinkers and collectors alike. The focus on quality has earned Vilafonté numerous accolades from wine critics and publications, further solidifying its reputation in the competitive South African wine market.
The winery's commitment to crafting exceptional wines, coupled with its picturesque settings and a passion for excellence, makes Vilafonté a standout producer in the region. With an emphasis on heritage, innovation, and sustainability, Vilafonté continues to contribute significantly to the growing recognition of South African wines on the global stage.
Vilafonté is the vision of the three founding partners - Mike Ratcliffe, Zelma Long and Dr. Phil Freese.
Zelma Long is one of America’s best-known winemakers with an enviable international reputation. She began her wine-making career at the Robert Mondavi winery, where she was soon promoted to Chief Winemaker.
Zelma now oversees the winemaking and style development of the Vilafonté wines, working with the winemaker Chris de Vries. She is on site during the harvest, through pressing and barrelling, and then again at the blending and bottling stages.
Mike Ratcliffe, co-founder of Vilafonté, is a leader in the Cape wine industry, and for many years has been keenly involved in black economic empowerment and land redistribution.
Dr Phil Freese is the creator of the Vilafonté vineyard which he calls ‘different by design’. Having spent 13 years as Robert Mondavi’s Vice-President of Wine Growing, he designed and planted the first Opus One vineyards. He also initiated the remote sensing project with NASA which has provided modern technology for vineyard analysis and quality enhancement. Phil works with Vilafonté winegrower Edward Pietersen. This effective wine-growing combination continues to elevate the quality of the Vilafonté fruit to a level commensurate with the production of the world’s finest wines.
“Vilafonté is a passion. Vilafonté is all about an unwavering commitment to excellence - in everything we do” Mike Ratcliffe
Through the collaboration of these three leading industry figures, Vilafonté (which was founded in 1996) became the first American and South African joint wine-making venture, and these days is considered one of the most pioneering wineries in South Africa.
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 wines are exclusively produced from grapes grown on its own property, where the Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Malbec grapes predominate.
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