Vilafonté Series C 2008

Vilafonté Exclusive Wines, based out in Bosman’s Crossing, Stellenbosch is a partnership between Zelma Long and Phil Freeze from the USA and Mike Ratcliffe from South Africa.  With grapes sourced from Simonsberg-Paarl, 2 premium red blends are produced – the Series C and Series M.  Series C wines are normally Cabernet Sauvignon driven, while Series M tends to be more Merlot with a more even spread of Bordeaux varietals.  With the Cabernet dominating the Series C, it tends to be more powerful, concentrated and intense, with series M being more accessable and supple.  Both will reward cellaring.

We were fortunate enough to taste the latest Series C 2008 release from Vilafonté at a recent trade tasting. It has already scored 93 points in the American publication Wine Spectator to go with a whole host of accolades achieved over the previous vintages.  Showing the usual power and intensity, the wine spent 24 months in primarily new French oak, before spending another 12 months in bottle.  The blend make up is 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot and 6% Malbec and for the first time in the history of Vilafonté (the venture had its first vintage in 2003) the Series C contains no Cabernet Franc.

A premium offering at roughly R400 a bottle, the Series C is not cheap, but given a bit of time in the cellar, it will blow your mind.

www.vilafonte.com