2022 Vilafonte Series C
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Tasting notes
The Vilafonté 2022 Paarl Series C is 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 10% Malbec and 10% Cabernet Franc. The wine ages in French oak for 22 months, with 70% new oak. The barrels are mostly Taransaud with thinner staves for better oxygen exchange during fermentation to set the wine's deep colors and velvety appearance. The Malbec component also helps to draw out the wine's pretty color saturation. This wine was a little shy during my tasting, and this bodes well for its future ability to evolve in the bottle. However, you do taste good clarity with sweet blackberry and spice over the full-bodied mouthfeel.
Critic scores
Average Score
Neal Martin
Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The 2022 Series C spent 22 months in 73% new oak from five cooperages, half from Taransaud. It has a very elegant bouquet, like the Series M, with slightly darker fruit due to the higher proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon (56%). Scents of pencil box and sea spray add further complexity. Quite fresh with a keen line of acidity, the palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins. Pastille-like red fruit joins a hint of black pepper toward the linear finish. Very fine.
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