2004 Vilafonte Series M
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Tasting notes
The 2004 Series M has some brettanomyces on the nose, although here it is not necessarily a negative attribute and adds a feral, animal element you might find in the Southern Rhône. The palate is quite firm on the entry, displaying a fine bead of acidity, a smear of chocolate across the black fruit and that animal note resurfacing toward the black peppery finish. Not bad at all, although personally I prefer the 2003.
Critic scores
Average Score
Neal Martin
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
(36% cabernet sauvignon, 31% merlot, 25% malbec and 8% cabernet franc) Bright ruby-red. Sexy aromas of musky redcurrant and spicecake. Dense, lush, broad and dry but distinctly laid-back today and in need of a bit of cellaring. Intriguing note of fruitcake. Finishes with substantial dusty tannins and noteworthy persistence.
About the producer
Based in Paarl, Vilafonté was created by two leading Californian consultants, Zelma Long and Dr Phil Freese, with South African native Mike Ratcliffe. Today its Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blends are some of the country’s most respected – and highest rated.