Critics Ratings

2003 - ‘A fairly big (14.5% alcohol), chewy wine, but one that delivers waves of lush fruit. Plum and cassis notes are framed by hints of smoke and cedar; the merest hint of green herbs adds complexity without detracting. Long and supple on the finish.’ - Wine Enthusiast, 92/100 (Nov 2005)

'The ‘C’ is for Cabernet Sauvignon, whose structure and power inform the masterly Bordeaux blend. It’s dark-berried opulence is still swaddled in youthfully dense and austere tannins. One for the patient - should evolve into something majestic. 82% Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. 54% new French oak for 18 months.'- Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2006, 4.5*

2005 -'Mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, as name implies (66%, with 22% Merlot, 6% each Malbec and Cabernet Franc), in this powerful but seamless & polished red; ’05 rich, scented, resolute but ripe tannins, harmonious oaking (90% new French)” - Platter's SA Wine Guide 2008, 4.5*

'Still tight, but with impressive concentration and precision to the layers of plum, red currant, roasted vanilla, espresso bean and mineral. Focused, almost sleek on the finish, with fine length. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. This young project from Mike Ratcliffe (Warwick Estate) and Zelma Long is getting better every year.' - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 92/100 (Feb 2009)

2006 - ‘Harmonious 2006 cab-led blend, with 40% merlot & splash cab f for aromatic lift. Compact, ripe polished blackcurrant & plum fruit currently masked by resolute but seamless tannins, long finish. 95% new Fr oak.’  Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2009, 5*

'This is concentrated and winey, but nicely integrated already, with briar, blackberry, mulled currant, black tea and dark cocoa notes all gliding through the sleek, fine-grained finish, where a perfumy hint lingers. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc'. - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 92/100 (Jun 2010)

2007 - 'Rich and lush, but very driven, with gorgeous fig bread, linzer torte, bittersweet ganache and mulled currant fruit flavors, all backed by hints of black tea, graphite and spice. The long finish lets everything hang together nicely. Impressive. The best vintage yet for this quietly and steadily improving project. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc.' -  James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 93/100 (Nov 2010)

‘Polished, authoritative 2007 Bordeaux blend exhibits Merlot succulence and delightful herbal Cabernet Franc aromatics. Savoury Cabernet Sauvignon (74%) tannins provide a structured platform for abundant layers of dense black fruit, with a tight mineral centre. Includes splash of Malbec. 25 months in 94% new French oak.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2011, 4.5*

‘A beautifully balanced and nuanced wine. The aromas are heady and thick but still vibrant, displaying juicy notes of black cherry, black raspberry sauce and semi-dried fig laced with accents of bittersweet chocolate, tobacco and white pepper. The texture is like crushed satin, with well-integrated tannins and a creamy mouthfeel. Touches of licorice root and smoky cedar spice augment the dark fruit on the lengthy finish.’ - Lauren Buzzeo, Wine Enthusiast, 93/100 (Mar 2011)

2009 -“...dark chocolate and vanilla, demonstrating great precision on the finish with a hint of cappuccino on the aftertaste. This is superb. I have a lot of respect for the superlative Vilafonté wines, where Zelma Long is at the helm, and their pair of 2009s do not disappoint. " - Neal Martin, Robert Parker 94 points

‘Standout, succulent Bordeaux blend, with amply oaked super-ripe fruit a hallmark, always Cabernet-dominated. 2009 (54% plus Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec) rich, textured and spicy, the Cabernet Franc adding lift.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2012, 4.5*

‘This stunning wine is still quite young and shut-down on the nose, taking its time in the glass to truly begin to open up. Once it does, scents of licorice root, chicory, cassis and black plum fill the bouquet. The mouthfeel is bold and powerful, with gripping tannins that coat the palate and support the dense black-fruit core. Accents of black-tea leaves and sweet spice grace the long finish.’ - Lauren Buzzeo, Wine Enthusiast, 93/100 (Jan 2013)

2010 - 'A ripe, flavoursome Cabernet-based blend (hence C) with lesser amounts of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec, this takes its inspiration from Australia and California rather than Bordeaux. Rich, oaky and flirting with over-ripeness, it's a bold statement of a wine with lots of sweet, fleshy plum and blackberry fruit. Drink 2015-22' - Tim Atkin, SA Wine Report 2013, 93/100

'Gutsy and polished, featuring a core of fig, boysenberry and blackberry fruit studded with licorice snap and bergamot notes, with a sleek texture carrying the finish. Shows refinement and poise overall.' - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 93/100 (Jun 2013)

Intense black fruit aromas, cassis & almond notes on plush & concentrated 2010 - cab-dominated as always, with 25% cab franc, merlot, malbec. Opulent, brocaded textures & real mid-palate weight are defining features of this iconically styled wine, a near clone to super-rich, finely balanced 2009. - Platter's SA Wine Guide 2014, 4.5* 

Provenance

Producer