Critics Ratings

2004 - ‘Though style rather than variety determines the blend, the two ‘Ms’ — supple, luxurious Merlot and minerally Malbec — are major influences here. ‘04 is marginally more accessible than ‘C’, though both need a minimum of 5 years. Sophisticated composition of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, and Cabernet Sauvignon Franc (36/31/25/8); ripe, velvety with dense tannin, focussed freshness. French oak, 37% new, for 19 months.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2007, 4.5*

‘Series M is based on Merlot and Malbec, with the two Cabernets also in the blend. Very modern in style, it has polished elegance, packs a punch of black fruits, dense mulberry flavors and long, smooth oak tastes.’ - Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast, 93/100 (Nov 2006)

2005 - ‘The 2005 Series M has a perfumed, floral bouquet of dark cherries, pressed iris, a touch of cigar box and light minty scents. The fresh, vibrant palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, mint-infused black cherry and boysenberry fruit and a potent, spicy, white pepper finish that lingers in the mouth. Excellent.’ - Neal Martin, Vinous.com, 92/100

2006 - 'Cabernet Sauvignon replaces Merlot in 2006 as the principal variety, providing greater authority and longevity. Dollops of Malbec and Cabernet Franc. Serious blackcurrant and cedar aromas with concentrated flavours lead to a firm savoury finish. 43% new French oak. Wine of Origin Paarl.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2009, 4.5*

‘The regal Series M blend starts with aromas of dark juicy plum and black currant, coffee and chocolate, rolling into an array of bright, spicy black fruit, tobacco and cedar. Rich and savory on the palate but enlivened by good minerality, it's a classic South African red with world-class balance.’ - Susan Kostrzewa, Wine Enthusiast, 90/100 (Aug 2010)

2007 - 'A dense red, showing layers of fig, plum sauce, hoisin sauce and melted licorice snap flavors, allied to a strong graphite spine. Offers lots of grip, with extra notes of maduro tobacco and anise weaving in on the finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc ... 950 cases made.’  Wine Spectator, 92/100

‘Dense, violet-perfumed, dark-fruited ‘07 near-equal blend of Cab, Merlot, Malbec with 5% Cabernet Franc; ripe tannins still mask fullness of compact fruit core, spicy finish from 16 months 40% new French oak; very tight still - needs years in bottle. WO Paarl.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2010, 4.5*

‘More delicate and perfumed than the 2011 and 2013, but with just as much depth and intensity of fruit as the younger wines. Lovely fibrous tannin.’ - Richard Hemming MW, JancisRobinson.com, 17.5/20 (Sept 2018)

2009 - 'Spicy, cedarwood, tealeaf aromas on the 2009 where the oak is evident but integrating. Here perfume, not texture, is the keynote. Previous 2007 wasa  near-equal blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Malbec, but here the juicy, fruity Malbec dominates with 46% and a tiny drop of Cabernet Franc. Lighter oaking (60% new) than Series C.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2012, 4.5*

‘Dark black cherry colour with an inky core. Perfumed oaky nose – violets and oak sweetness and some leafy Cab notes. Rich and savoury and dense on the palate, lithe but chewy tannins. Full of fruit but not simple. Excellent concentration and still refined. Very long. You could drink it now, just, but there's a lot more to come.’ - Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson.com, 17.5/20 (Oct 2012)

‘Vanilla cream and raspberry sauce lead the bouquet of this Bordeaux-style blend, followed by darker fruit tones of boysenberry, plum and black cherry. Those notes continue on to the palate, filling the mouth and lending lushness to the crushed velvet texture. Strong but balanced, with a long, evolving finish that ends with a spicy, sweet-smoke accent.’ - Lauren Buzzeo, Wine Enthusiast, 92/100 (May 2013)

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 89/100 (2013)

Provenance

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