2013 Vilafonté Series C

Wine: 2013 Vilafonté Series C

Estate: Vilafonté

Region: Paarl, South Africa

Winemaker: Martin Smith

Elevage: 22 months in 60% new French Oak.

Varietals: 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc and 8% Malbec.

Decant: Unknown

Location: Tasted at Vilafonté on 12/18/2015.

Tasting Note:

Not as approachable as the 2012 Series M. Wine was an opaque purple that coats the glass. A little tight to begin. Started out with cassis, anise, wet stones and a little savory meat. Palate was a little harsh to start. Slightly savory with some meat and black pepper notes. Heavy tannins (7.5/10) and full bodied. Grips the front of your mouth and the mid palate, also has some nice fur to the mouth feel. Long and lingering finish. Needs time to fully integrate, give it at least another year or two and continue to drink over the next 15 or so years. A ton of potential in this bottle!

Dates: Drink from 2017 till 2032.
Rating: 91+
Price: $$$ - From Cape Ardor for $95.00

2012 Vilafonté Series M

Wine: 2012 Vilafonté Series M

Estate: Vilafonté

Region: Paarl, South Africa

Winemaker: Martin Smith

Elevage: 18 months in 60% new French Oak.

Varietals: 48% Merlot, 35% Malbec and 17% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Decant: Unknown

Location: Tasted at Vilafonté on 12/18/2015.

Tasting Note:

Favorite of the two Vilafonte produced wines today. Wine was a thick ruby red with purple hues that coats the glass with each swirl. Very complex nose. First hits you with some black currants and black cherries. Which turned more savory with time. Notes of baking spices, dried herbs, smoke, cigar box and a little leather. Palate was just as savory as the bouquet. Started off with some oregano and moderate plus drying tannins (6.5/10). Full bodied Merlot-led bordeaux blend. Very fry finish that sticks around. Very well balanced and structured. This will definitely benefit from aging and can easily last 10 years. Absolutely delicious and will only improve with time.

Dates: Drink till 2026.
Rating: 93+
Price: $$$ - From Cape Ardor for $80.00

2013 Paserene Marathon

Wine: 2013 Paserene Marathon
Estate: Paserene Wines
Region: Western Cape, South Africa
Winemaker: Martin Smith
Elevage: 16 months in 30% new French oak.
Varietals: Blend of Petit Verdot and Carmenere.
Decant: One hour.
Location: Drank at Ian's House on 12/23/2015.

Tasting Note:

Bright ruby red with an opaque purple center. Nose started off very tight with a little bit of chalk. After another 15 minutes or so in the glass it began to open up a little. Starting with some raspberry and baking spices like cloves. Heavy tannins (7.5/10) and moderate plus body. Furry mouth feel and thick. Solid acidity with a long and dry finish. This is a big wine that definitely needs a few years on its side to develop and integrate more. We would love to find some more of this wine state side.

Dates: Drink till 2035.
Rating: 91+
Price: $ - R220.00 or around $14.67, trying to find it in the States, will keep you updated!