Provenance

Private Client

Critics Ratings

2010:
'M is still for merlot (49%) in 10, with Malbec & cab. Profound & vinous, rendered approachable by sweet redcurrant aromas, juicy accessibility. Light caramel notes, dryish tannins confirm substantial oaking. Elegance, spice remain hallmarks in 10 – finer, less intense than 09.' – Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2014, 4.5*

'Gutsy and polished, featuring a core of fig, boysenberry and blackberry fruit studded with liquorice snap and bergamot notes, with a sleek texture carrying the finish. Shows refinement and poise overall... 550 cases made.' – Wine Spectator 93/100 (2013)

'I have been a big fan of Martin Smith and Zelma Long’s wines at Vilafonte. These are modern, lush Paarl wines that are meticulously crafted and avoid the pitfalls of being overbearing or forgetting that consumers like to drink entire bottles. For me, their 2010s are not quite in the same league as previous vintages and to be honest, they are not cheap. But the care that has gone into their creation is clearly evident and no great wine from any country hits the ball out of the park year after year. ' – Neal Martin, Wine Advocate (2013)

2012:
‘M is for Merlot and Malbec, which typically dominate this Bordeaux blend with Cabernet Sauvignon. 2012’s (48/45/17) opulent berry fruits, dark chocolate nuances give way to earthy, spicy notes, grippy structure, hint of minerality. Like perfumed 2011, satisfying now, even better in 5+ years.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2016, 4.5*

‘In a more elegant vintage, the richness of the Vilafonté style is more restrained. Spice, texture, finesse, subtle oaking and the floral perfume of both varieties all contribute to the wine, which is one of the best Vilafonté releases yet. Drink: 2015-25.’ - Tim Atkin SA Special Report 2015, 95/100

‘Very ripe and suave, with gorgeous blackberry, blueberry and plum notes that glide together seamlessly, while alluring spice and black tea accents infuse the background. The long, refined finish has a well-inlaid graphite spine that adds counterpoint to the fruit. A beauty. Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2022.’ - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 93/100 (Apr 2015)