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VILAFONTE Series M - Stellenbosch 2019 Bottle

Red Still Wine | South Africa | Stellenbosch | 75cl

£57.45

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Red Wine

ABV: 14%
Size: 75cl
Closure Type: Cork
Country: South Africa
Region: Stellenbosch
Wine Style: Full Bodied
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot

Description

IN BRIEF
Vilafonté Series M 2019 is a distinguished red wine that highlights the unique terroir and craftsmanship of the Vilafonté estate in South Africa. This Bordeaux-style blend showcases the rich, diverse flavours of the region, making it a sought-after choice among wine enthusiasts. It presents a deep ruby colour, hinting at its intensity. The inviting nose features ripe dark fruits like blackcurrants and plums, complemented by notes of tobacco, cedar, and spices. On the palate, it reveals a full-bodied texture, with bold fruit flavours supported by well-integrated oak, dark chocolate, and minerality. Rated 95+ points by The Wine Advocate and 92 points by Vinous, Vilafonté Series M 2019 delivers an exceptional tasting experience that is perfect for any occasion.

ABOUT THIS WINE
Vilafonté Series M 2019 is a distinguished red wine that exemplifies the unique terroir and meticulous craftsmanship of the Vilafonté estate in South Africa. This Bordeaux-style blend is thoughtfully composed to showcase the rich, diverse flavours of the region, making it a sought-after choice among wine enthusiasts and collectors.

In the glass, Series M presents a deep, saturated ruby colour that hints at the wine's intensity and complexity. The nose is inviting and aromatic, offering a captivating blend of ripe dark fruits such as blackcurrants and plums, complemented by subtle notes of tobacco, cedar, and hints of spice. These layered aromas reflect the careful selection of grapes and the influence of high-quality oak aging, creating a sophisticated bouquet.

On the palate, Vilafonté Series M 2019 reveals a full-bodied and luxurious texture, showcasing the harmonious interplay between fruit and tannin. The bold fruit flavours are supported by a backbone of well-integrated oak, which adds depth and complexity to the tasting experience. Hints of dark chocolate and vanilla intertwine with the fruit, while a touch of minerality underlines the wine's elegance.

The finish is long and satisfying, marked by a delightful balance of fruit, spice, and subtle earthy notes that linger pleasantly. This complexity makes it a compelling choice for pairing with a variety of dishes, including grilled meats, hearty stews, or even indulgent cheeses.

Vilafonté Series M 2019 is not just a wine; it is a reflection of the estate's commitment to producing exceptional quality wines that honour the traditions of winemaking while embracing modern techniques. Whether savoured on a special occasion or enjoyed during a casual gathering, this wine promises an exceptional tasting experience that highlights the best of what South African winemaking has to offer.

THE WINE ADVOCATE 95+ points
Reviewed by: Anthony Muelle
Drink Date: 2024 - 2042
Coming from the smallest vintage per hectare since Vilafonté started, the 2019 Series M offers incredible concentration and focus on the nose, which is marked with oak, ripe plum and dark cherry skin aromas before delicate dusty roses and lavender notes waft from the glass. The wine compresses on the palate to reveal a firm tannic structure with brilliant, energetic acidity that is slightly nervous now but will benefit from one more year in the bottle and age like a champion. Just give it time, and your patience will be rewarded. Even though they had low yields, the quality is evident and paramount. It’s a stunner!

VINOUS 92 points
The 2019 Series M, one of the smallest crops because of the uneven flowering, is matured in French oak for 22 months (around 22% new) has a very well defined bouquet, a mixture of red and black fruit, dried mint, potpourri and pressed rose petals. The oak is neatly integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, rounded and caressing in texture, a touch of cedar and mint emerging towards the finish. There is a sense of grace about this Series M, and it will surely tempt many to drink it too early. - 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.

 

JAN01306

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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