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.