2012 Vilafonte Series C
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Tasting notes
(aged in 80% new French oak; a blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Malbec, 19% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Franc): Deep, bright ruby. Inviting perfume of blackberry, blueberry, cassis, violet, cocoa powder and bitter chocolate. Then plush and large-scaled but more backward and muscular than the 2012 Series M, with a much more apparent oak element and more medicinal reserve. With its huge, slightly chunky chocolatey tannins, this is a bit tough in the early going, particularly in the context of its vintage. Lay this one down.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Neal Martin, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The 2012 Series C is a blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 22% Malbec and 7% Cabernet Franc that is aged for 16 months in 60% new French oak barrels. The nose has a sublime sense of clarity, still as intense as previous vintages but the detail here is ratcheted up another level. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine tannins, the Cabernet character really shining through with cedar and pencil lead notes toward the finish. This 2012 is surfeit with real character and class.
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.
Product details
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec/ Auxerrois / Cot
Red
Dry