The Vilafonté wines have always been deemed as esteemed Bordeaux-style wines, but new attention was given to the Series C 2021 vintage when Robert Parker Wine Advocate gave it a score of 99 which made a historical high for South African wines. This Left Bank Bordeaux-style wine from Paarl is made from the finest berries, picked by hand from vineyards that grow in tough circumstances and produce low yields with high quality. This wine is a true reflection of their belief that “if you want to be heard, whisper”. It spent 2 years in 81% new French oak and only 67 barrels have been made of this exclusive wine.
In the glass, this wine has a dark ruby colour. It is very forthcoming on the nose with complex notes of cassis, violets, leather, spices and vanilla. The entry is surprisingly elegant, but it develops very quickly into a bold and robust wine with much structure, firm tannins, notes of cassis, violets, plums, oak spices, leather, cigar box, graphite and vanilla. It has a long, dry and fruity finish with a slightly herbaceous undertone.
This wine can be enjoyed on its own or with a ribeye steak. It is recommended to open it about 30 minutes beforehand, but decanting is optional. It is ready to drink now or within the next 20 years. It is slightly on the more expensive side, but a really great wine.
Producer: Vilafonté
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon 57%, Merlot 26%, Malbec 10%, Cabernet Franc 7%
Vintage: 2021
Origin: Paarl, Western Cape, South Africa
Winemaker: Chris de Vries
Closure: Cork
Alcohol: 14.5%
Average price: R2000
Rating: 97/100
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