2013 Vilafonte Series C
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Tasting notes
Bright ruby-red. Brooding aromas of blueberry, cassis, black cherry, licorice, menthol and minerals, along with some exotic oak tones; conveys an urgent crushed-berry character. Densely packed, penetrating wine with terrific energy and depth and an utterly seamless texture. Cassis, licorice and black cherry flavors are complemented by sexy oak tones. Displays a bit more inner-mouth verve and sweetness than the 2014. Really mounts on the firmly tannic, gripping finish. Lay this one down. Outstanding.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Neal Martin, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The labels had arrived the previous day when I tasted the 2013 Series C, a blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc and 8% Malbec, raised in 70% new French oak for 23 months. That oak is neatly embroidered into the blackberry and raspberry fruit on the nose - nicely defined and precise, perhaps more focused than its "M" counterpart. The palate is medium-bodied with a supple, nicely poised entry and a keen thread of acidity; it is quite compact in the mouth, but that doesn't matter because the purity is locked in and it lingers long in the mouth. This is very fine, but it will need 3-4 years in bottle to show what it can do.
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.
Product details
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec/ Auxerrois / Cot
Red
Dry