Alheit Vineyards | Sadie Family Wines | Vilafonté
Live Virtual Auction, 10 October 2021
Fine Wine
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
About this Item
Vilafonté is a high-profile collaboration between the well-known American winemaking team of Zelma Long and Phil Freese and South Africa's Mike Ratcliffe. On the Paarl side of the Simonsberg mountain, it was founded in 1996 and their first release was the stellar 2003 vintage. Meticulous viticulture and modern cellar practices ensured that Vilafonté was at the cutting-edge of fine wine. The Merlot and Malbec dominated Series M offers more spice and flair, while the Cabernet Sauvignon based Series C is serious and more structured. Maiden vintages offer perfectly mature, poised wines almost two decades down the line and Series C and M are of the highest scoring Bordeaux-style reds in South wines. Today Vilafonté is South Africa’s most luxurious red wine brand.
'dark and luxurious' - Zelma Long
It's hard to believe that the powerful and deep 2005 was only the third vintage produced of now well established and sought-after Series C.
Critics Ratings
“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)
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