VILAFONTE Series M - Stellenbosch 2019/20 Bottle
Red Still Wine | South Africa | Stellenbosch | 75cl
£69.95
ABV: 14%
Size: 75cl
Closure Type: Cork
Country: South Africa
Region: Stellenbosch
Wine Style: Full Bodied
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot
Description
The Vilafonté Series M is a beautiful Bordeaux-style blend from the heart of Stellenbosch, South Africa. Named for the prominence of Malbec and Merlot in the blend, this series is defined by its plush, fleshy character and sensuous texture. Sourced from ancient, low-yielding soils, this vintage offers an alluring bouquet of dark plum, black cherry, and cocoa, complemented by subtle notes of cedar and exotic spice. This vintage features a complex mix of 43% Merlot, 37% Malbec, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 6% Cabernet Franc, aged for 22 months in French oak.
On the palate, it is remarkably velvety and refined, showing ripe, integrated tannins and a harmonious balance of fruit and oak. While approachable in its youth, it possesses the structural integrity to reward cellaring. This elegant red pairs exquisitely with roasted venison, herb-crusted lamb, or rich mushroom-based dishes, embodying the pinnacle of South African luxury winemaking.
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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.
