The Vilafonté Series C 2023 is a Cabernet Sauvignon-led Bordeaux-style blend that captures the estate’s signature balance of power, refinement, and longevity. Deep, composed, and intricately layered, this vintage reflects a growing season that favored precision and freshness over sheer weight, resulting in a wine of remarkable clarity and structure.
The colour is dark and brooding, almost opaque at its core. Aromas unfold gradually, revealing blackberry, boysenberry, and sour cherry, lifted by hints of violet and juniper that bring a subtle earthy edge. Layers of anise, clove, and nutmeg weave through notes of cedar and teak, adding complexity without overshadowing the fruit.
On the palate, the wine is focused and energetic, with velvet-textured tannins carrying ripe black fruit across a long, mouthwatering finish. Though medium-bodied in feel, the concentration and persistence are unmistakable. The 2023 vintage leans toward elegance and precision, balancing opulence with freshness in a style that is already compelling but built to evolve beautifully over decades.
The growing season in Paarl delivered ideal timing. A warm early February encouraged ripeness, while cooler conditions later in the harvest preserved acidity and detail. Smaller berries from the Merlot, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc parcels contributed concentration and depth, while Cabernet Sauvignon brought structure and generosity. Harvest concluded just before significant March rains, preserving purity and balance throughout the blend.
A world-class South African red, perfect alongside prime rib, venison, lamb, aged cheeses, and richly layered dishes.
The colour is dark and brooding, almost opaque at its core. Aromas unfold gradually, revealing blackberry, boysenberry, and sour cherry, lifted by hints of violet and juniper that bring a subtle earthy edge. Layers of anise, clove, and nutmeg weave through notes of cedar and teak, adding complexity without overshadowing the fruit.
On the palate, the wine is focused and energetic, with velvet-textured tannins carrying ripe black fruit across a long, mouthwatering finish. Though medium-bodied in feel, the concentration and persistence are unmistakable. The 2023 vintage leans toward elegance and precision, balancing opulence with freshness in a style that is already compelling but built to evolve beautifully over decades.
The growing season in Paarl delivered ideal timing. A warm early February encouraged ripeness, while cooler conditions later in the harvest preserved acidity and detail. Smaller berries from the Merlot, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc parcels contributed concentration and depth, while Cabernet Sauvignon brought structure and generosity. Harvest concluded just before significant March rains, preserving purity and balance throughout the blend.
A world-class South African red, perfect alongside prime rib, venison, lamb, aged cheeses, and richly layered dishes.
Each vineyard parcel was harvested separately between 2 February and 1 March 2023 and vinified with a focus on precision extraction and tannin refinement. Fermentation was carefully managed to preserve aromatic detail while building depth and structure.
The individual components were matured in French oak barrels before blending, allowing each varietal to evolve independently and contribute complexity to the final wine. Extended barrel aging and meticulous élevage give Series C its hallmark polish, integration, and long-term aging potential.
Winemaker: Chris de Vries
The individual components were matured in French oak barrels before blending, allowing each varietal to evolve independently and contribute complexity to the final wine. Extended barrel aging and meticulous élevage give Series C its hallmark polish, integration, and long-term aging potential.
Winemaker: Chris de Vries
Vilafonté, located in the Paarl-Simonsberg region on the northern side of the Simonsberg Mountains, is the first American and South African joint wine-making venture. This groundbreaking red wine project is a partnership between a respected group of wine specialists from South Africa (Michael Ratcliffe) and the United States (Zelma Long and Phillip Freese).
