2010 Vilafonte Series M
Market price
Buying options
Tasting notes
The 2010 Series M has a slight meatiness on the spicy nose, with perhaps some secondary aromas creeping in - sage, a little cigar box and scorched earth. The palate is medium-bodied with fleshy ripe black fruit and a fine bead of acidity, the meatiness coming through with aeration. A hint of dried blood appears toward the finish. I would drink this before the 2009.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
Very sweet and even a little soupy on the nose. Very California! Sweet dried prunes on the finish. Not too over the top because it has some of South Africa’s freshness but it’s not one of my personal favourites. Clean finish though and very well made. (JR)
The 2010 Series M is a blend of 49% Merlot, 30% Malbec and 21% Cabernet Sauvignon raised for 16 months in new and used oak. It is unusually reticent on the nose despite coaxing, although there is clearly plenty of red and black fruit waiting to come forth. The palate is more expressive with fleshy ripe soft tannins and abundant meaty red berries touched with sage and black pepper, although the finish needs just a little more cohesion. Drink 2014-2019. I have been a big fan of Martin Smith and Zelma Long’s wines at Vilafonte. These are modern, lush Paarl wines that are meticulously crafted and avoid the pitfalls of being overbearing or forgetting that consumers like to drink entire bottles. For me, their 2010s are not quite in the same league as previous vintages and to be honest, they are not cheap. But the care that has gone into their creation is clearly evident and no great wine from any country hits the ball out of the park year after year. Importer: Broadbent Selections Inc; San Francisco, CA; tel. (415) 931-1725; www.broadbent.com
(49% merlot, 30% malbec and 21% cabernet sauvignon): Bright red-ruby. Aromas of currant, graphite, woodsmoke, mocha and spicy oak complemented by a deeper chocolatey character. Plush, broad and sweet, with lovely depth to the dark fruit and chocolate flavors. Full, ripe and satisfying if a bit youthfully aggressive, finishing with broad, dusty tannins and excellent length.
About the producer
Based in Paarl, Vilafonté was created by two leading Californian consultants, Zelma Long and Dr Phil Freese, with South African native Mike Ratcliffe. Today its Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blends are some of the country’s most respected – and highest rated.