Provenance

Private Client

Critics Ratings

Alto Cabernet Sauvignon 2011:
‘Super-svelte 2011 combines well-defined blackcurrant fruit with ripe, firm tannins, keeps near-15% alcohol in check. Back to best after warmer 2010 (3.5 stars) vintage.’ - Platter's SA Wine Guide 2015, 4*

International Wine and Spirits Competition 2014 - Silver

Meerlust Cabernet Sauvignon 2011:
'Dark and modern with higher alcohol albeit offering a fresh acidity. Dark chocolate and baked spice. Dense cassis, earthy edge and vanilla notes. No Rubicon this year, so Cabernet had the best fruit on the farm. Drink now to 2030.' - Roland Peens, 91/100 (Feb 2021)

'Ripe, plush fruited nose. Marked change in style, the 2011 is open knit and polished. Obvious sweet oak manifests in coconut and vanilla. Big and bold for the range, but also balanced and accessible.' - Higgo Jacobs, 91/100 (Feb 2021)

'Epitome of seamless integration; all components of classy 2011 - glossy cassis fruit, supple tannin, perfectly judged oak (70% new), freshening acid & balanced alcohol - are melded & polished. Impressive elegance & restraint. Needs & deserves time to realise potential.' - Platter's SA Wine Guide 2015, 4.5*

Vilafonté Series C 2011:
'Seductive Bordeaux blend, cab-based as name hints, with merlot & Malbec (26/14), drops 10’s cab franc in bold & concentrated 11 (5*). Classic claret markers – ripe cassis, graphite & spice (courtesy 80% new oak). Smoothly delicious now & more so given time.' – Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2015, 5*

'Very dense, with a loamy hint backing the core of licorice snap, black currant paste and warm fig fruit. This shows ample grip but remains polished and integrated, while espresso and black tea accents fill out the finish. Impressive. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc... 541 cases made.' – Wine Spectator, 93/100 (2014)

'The 2011 Series C was apparently the shortest vintage in history with warm days and cool nights. It is a blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% merlot, 14% Malbec and 9% Cabernet Franc, aged for 22 months in new and used barrels. There is a tangible “coolness” on the nose: not as intense of as exuberant as the previous two vintages, but replete with fine blackberry, autumn leave and mineral scents, suggesting a higher percentage of Cabernet than there actually is. The palate is medium-bodied with a supple entry. This is rounded and smooth with greater depth that the nose suggests. Here the Merlot plays a more conspicuous role than on the nose, fleshing and rounding out the finish that is harmonious and long. Very fine.' – Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, 92/100 (2014)