Wine Composition

48% Malbec, 34% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon & 3% Cabernet Franc

Winemakers Comments

Series M 2019 displays brilliant ruby hues and dense violet rim. Showcasing a pure, extraordinary perfume of sweet red fruit; red currant, fresh cranberry and red raspberry. Layers of black and blue fruit unfold; black raspberry, plum and loganberry move to darker undertones of cocoa powder and licorice. Palate entry is soft, juicy and swelling with intensity. The mid-palate is broad and supple, showing layers of fresh cranberry, red cherry and blueberry, followed by emergence of fine, coating tannins. Richly textured, with fine balance and attractive long finish. While alluring in its youth, the 2019 Series M promises a decade or more of cellaring to realize its full potential.

Awards

Tim Atkin | 93 points (2018)

Vintage

A tale of two seasons – give and take. In the shadow of persistent drought conditions, rains remained elusive in the post-harvest period of 2018. As a result, our vines could not accumulate the reserves required for the coming growing season. There was an upswing in rainfall toward the end of winter, continuing into spring and early summer. Fluctuating weather conditions in the spring contributed to an uneven bud-break and berry set. Weather conditions improved at the onset of summer with a warmer November, conducive to vineyard growth. Some variability in ripening caused by springtime conditions could be remedied by in-bunch sorting after véraison to maintain quality. Harvest timing was normal, beginning on February 6th, continuing with a measured pace and fair weather through February 27th. Mother nature rebalanced the scales with beautiful soft rains, immediately after our last grapes were picked. This augurs well indeed for next year. A testament to resilience; despite the vagaries of the weather, wines of the vintage show freshness, concentration and elegance.

Maturation

Twenty-two months in twenty-two percent new French oak barrique, with the balance in older French oak. Series M 2019 consists of Malbec (forty-eight percent), Merlot (thirty-four percent), Cabernet Sauvignon (fifteen percent), and Cabernet Franc (three percent). Fifty-one barrels were produced. 

Winemaker

Name: Chris de Vries & Zelma Long

Winery

Vilafonté is the first American and South African joint wine-making venture. This groundbreaking red wine project is a partnership between a respected group of wine specialists from South Africa (Michael Ratcliffe) and the United States (Zelma Long and Phillip Freese). Vilafonté is the first winery in South Africa to focus on making wine aimed specifically at the US market. The name Vilafonté is derived from the primary soil type of the 100-acre estate, whose character forms the foundation of the wines. The Vilafonté project aims to create the first luxury wine brand from South Africa.