Strauss & co - 8 June 2019 (Wine)

148 Vilafonté Series M 2005 750ml 6 (1 x 6) R9 000 – 12 000 PROVENANCE Private Client ITEM NOTES Vilafonté is a high-profile collaboration between the well-known American winemaking team of Zelma Long and Phil Freese and South Africa’s Mike Ratcliffe. On the Paarl side of the Simonsberg mountain, it was founded in 1996 and their first release was the stellar 2003 vintage. Meticulous viticulture and up-to-date, modern cellar practices ensured that Vilafonté was at the cutting-edge of fine wine and still is today. The Series M is a Merlot-inspired blend and 2005 is rated as one of the finest Stellenbosch vintages of the last two decades. ‘The 2005 Series M has a perfumed, floral bouquet of dark cherries, pressed iris, a touch of cigar box and light minty scents. The fresh, vibrant palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, mint-infused black cherry and boysenberry fruit and a potent, spicy, white pepper finish that lingers in the mouth. Excellent.’ Neal Martin, Vinous.com, 92/100