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Vilafonte Paarl

'Series M' Merlot, 2021

750ml
Country of Origin: South Africa
Last of this vintage in stock
$140
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Varietal Composition: Merlot (43%), Malbec (37%), Cabernet Sauvignon (14%) and Cabernet Franc (6%)
ABV: 14.00%
RS: 2.7 g/l
Cellaring Potential: 10 - 20 years

Description

A masterpiece. The Series M 2021 is enticingly dense with complex and exotic aromas and rich with flavor, owing to the Merlot and Malbec components that define this blend. It presents an opaque purple-black hue, with little variation from its center to the glass’s edge.

As it unwinds in the glass, savory charcuterie and sweet baking spices give way to fragrant, zesty bergamot and jasmine tea. Seductively well-articulated fruit notes of ripe mulberry, blackberry and red currants are complemented by hints of star anise and dried mandarin rind.

A subtle underlying ferrous tone of intrigue. The palate is beautifully round and effortlessly long. A texture reminiscent of crushed velvet envelops the senses, revealing a pleasurable structure, abundant yet precise power, and a supple, mouth-coating quality. Gorgeous umami flavors of Parma ham harmonize seamlessly with a saline minerality, culminating in an intense, fruit-driven finish.

While the 2021 Series M is already complete in its youth, this blend will reward those who exercise patience, as it continues to evolve and develop complexity.
This sensuous wine embodies a refined style and dignified elegance. A Malbec and Merlot dominant blend, opulent in nature, with a defining structure of Cabernet Sauvignon. Twenty-two months in twelve percent new French oak barrique, with the balance in older French oak. Sixty-five barrels were produced.

Winemaker: Chris de Vries and Zelma Long
Vilafonté 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).

Vilafonté is the first winery in South Africa to focus on making wine aimed specifically at the US market. The name Vilafonté is derived from the primary soil type of the 100-acre estate, whose character forms the foundation of the wines.

The Vilafonté project aims to create the first luxury wine brand from South Africa.

Flavor Profiles

jasmine

Jasmine

rock minerals

Rock minerals

mixed berries

Mixed berries

black cherry

Black cherry

In the cellar

About the Winery

Location

Paarl, South Africa

Paarl, South Africa

Named after the striking granite dome known as Paarl Rock, Paarl is one of South Africa's oldest and most respected wine regions. Warm days, cooling mountain breezes, and ancient granite soils create ideal conditions for producing wines of richness, structure, and balance. The region is renowned for powerful Cabernet Sauvignon, expressive Shiraz, elegant Chardonnay, and outstanding Chenin Blanc, alongside a diverse range of other varieties. Home to many of the Cape's most historic estates, Paarl combines centuries of winemaking heritage with a dynamic, modern wine culture. Explore our collection of Paarl wines and discover the depth, character, and craftsmanship that define this celebrated Cape Winelands region.

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