Vilafonté, Series M 2019

Description

Founded in 1997, Vilafonté was the first American and South African joint wine-making venture within the global wine community. This ground-breaking founding partnership included a well-respected group of quality driven wine specialists from South Africa and the United States.

The 42ha property with its unique ancient soils, called vilafontes, served as the fuse to their winemaking vision. The defining character of the weathered soils formed the foundation for the vineyard, designed by Dr Phil Freese (previous Opus One Head of Wine Growing).

High density planting, which is different by design, encourages smaller vines, lower yields and highly concentrated fruit – a canvass for the artistry to create wines of elegant complexity, structure and longevity.

Vilafonté Series M and Series C are exclusively from grapes grown on this property. Vilafonté strives to encourage a philosophy of patience in the cellaring and enjoyment of their wines.

THE SERIES M BLEND

Twenty-two months in twenty-two percent new French oak barrique, with the balance in older French oak.  Series M 2019 consists of 48% Malbec, 34% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Cabernet Franc.

Fifty-one barrels were produced.

EFFUSIVE & POTENT

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 liquorice. 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 realise its full potential.

THE 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, the 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 re-balanced the scales with beautiful soft rains, immediately after the last grapes were picked, which 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.

Additional information

Dishes containing red meat - steak or your Sunday roast.