2011 Vilafonte Series M
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Tasting notes
The 2011 Series M is matured for 22 months in 26% new wood, 41% second fill & 33% older French oak barriques. This year is a blend of 46% Merlot, 51% Malbec and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon. With a mélange of red and black fruit on the nose, there are touches of espresso and graphite and fine delineation, perhaps just a little rustic in style compared to more recent vintages. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins and a healthy dash of black pepper. It's not a powerful Merlot-based blend, but there’s an appealing fleshiness on its savory finish. Perfect to drink now - as a late release ought to be.
Critic scores
Average Score
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
51% Malbec, 46% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon. Smoky – but not in a rubbery way, in a toasty oak sort of way. Luscious black fruit, long and sophisticated on the palate. Still very much on the way up. (RH)
The 2011 Series M has an open-knit, licorice-scented bouquet, fresh and vibrant with nicely focused floral scents of violet and incense developing in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, quite masculine in style and grippy in the mouth. The finish is saline and licorice-tinged. Excellent.
(14.5% alcohol; 51% Malbec, 46% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon): Bright, full red-ruby. Very ripe, chocolatey aromas of blackberry, blueberry and licorice pastille, lifted by subtle notes of pepper and mint; reminded me of a Napa Valley Cabernet. Supple, chocolatey and fine-grained, with a restrained sweetness to its glossy dark berry, menthol, licorice and sexy oak flavors. Quite suave in texture but more chocolatey and less complex than the stunning 2012. Finishes with slightly less refined tannins.
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.