Vilafonté is a pioneering wine estate located at the foothills of the Simonsberg Mountain in Paarl, South Africa.

Established in 1997, it holds the distinction of being the first joint American-South African winemaking venture in the global wine industry. This groundbreaking project was founded by a respected group of wine specialists: Mike Ratcliffe from South Africa, and Zelma Long and Dr. Phil Freese from the United States.

The name “Vilafonté” is derived from the ancient “vilafontes” soil type found on the property, which is among the oldest documented soils in the world, dating back between 750,000 and 1.5 million years. These gravelly clay soils, untouched by glaciation or volcanic activity for millennia, are nutrient-deficient, encouraging the vines to produce small, highly concentrated fruit.

Vilafonté focuses exclusively on four noble Bordeaux red grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Malbec. The winery is known for its meticulous viticulture and a philosophy that blends traditional winemaking techniques with modern innovation to craft wines of exceptional quality, elegance, and longevity. Their portfolio includes the highly acclaimed “Series C” (Cabernet-dominant) and “Series M” (Malbec/Merlot-dominant) blends, as well as “Seriously Old Dirt,” an earlier-drinking expression. Vilafonté has garnered significant international recognition, consistently receiving high scores and accolades for its commitment to producing world-class Bordeaux-style wines.

The Vintage – Challenging, yet filled with optimism.

The 2022 growing season was characterized by a cool, wet start with above-average rainfall in October and November 2021. This led to vigorous shoot growth, requiring diligent thinning and extending the flowering period. Four distinct heatwaves in January resulted in some sunburn on the more sensitive Malbecs. February followed with few, milder heat spikes. These conditions contributed to some variable ripening within parcels and a smaller grape crop, ultimately shaping a late and drawn-out season. Harvest began nine days later than predicted, extending over four weeks instead of the usual three from February 19th to March 17th. In some cases, we harvested individual parcels in multiple passes, fermenting them separately to allow greater flexibility during blending.

Vintage 2022 quietly reflects our dedication and the enduring quality of our unique site. Wines of this vintage show promise with density rather than heaviness, a well-rounded palate and exceptional charm.

The Blend
22 months in 30% new French oak barrique, with the balance in older French oak.
Series M 2022 consists of Merlot (40%), Malbec (39%), Cabernet Sauvignon (16%) and Cabernet Franc (5%).

Immersive & Engaging
Expect this vintage of Series M to provide increasing finesse and pleasure over time.
It’s colour is deep, garnet-red colour with a dense centre. The entry is pure-fruited and focused, showcasing a vibrant medley of pomegranate, cranberry, raspberry, and blueberry compote. These are layered with sweet notes of crème brûlée and vanilla pod, complemented by intriguing hints of tarragon, cardamom, and a touch of savoury character. On the palate, the wine is broad and luscious from the first sip, with plush, crushed velvet tannins. The palate continues seamlessly from the nose, with abundant red fruits leading to a long, delicious finish.
While the 2022 Series M is remarkably complete in its youth, this blend will reward those who exercise patience as it continues to evolve and develop complexity. Enjoy now or cellar for two decades or more.

Robert Parker Wine Advocate – 96 points