Wanting and waiting on wine

The highly anticipated Vilafonté Series M 2019 vintage has just been released to a waiting and wanting audience of wine connoisseurs.

Scored at 97 points by International Master of Wine, Greg Sherwood, this vintage represents the pinnacle of age-worthy and in-vogue wines. Vilafonté, a small Stellenbosch winery, was recognised as the global best red wine producer of the year by the International Wine and Spirits Competition in 2021.

Vilafonté is a winery founded by the South African and American wine specialists Dr Zelma Long, Dr Phillip Freese and Michael Ratcliffe, who describe their farm as “different by design”.

The first vineyards were planted 25 years ago in the namesake Vilafontes soil, an ancient and nutrient-deficient soil yet life-giving in its lower yields and concentrated fruits. A deep understanding of the soil has allowed the small team to build a harmonious and rich relationship with their vineyards, crafting prestigious wines of gravitas and depth.

The 2019 Series M vintages pays homage to the estate’s virtues and despite being a young wine, the age-worthiness of the vintage may make it the most long-lived offering to date.

The Series M 2019 is a sensuous wine embodying the style and selectivity of the estate. It consists of Malbec (48%), merlot (34%), cabernet sauvignon (15%), and cabernet franc (3%). Only 51 bottles were produced.

The Vilafonté Series C 2009 has recently been in the news, having increased by an annualised 25% over the past decade. Strauss & Co’s Fine Wine NFT Auction last month saw the Vilafonté Series C 2003-2027 vertical NFT sell for R569,000.

The intense interest and demand for all things Vilafonté means the best way to get your glasses full is to register for the estate’s membership, to avoid auction prices .

vilafonte.com/club/