About
Vilafonté is the first American and South African joint wine-making venture. This groundbreaking red wine project is a partnership between Michael Ratcliffe in South Africa, and Zelma Long and Phillip Freese, in the United States. It 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.
Seriously Old Dirt
Paarl
Harvest & Vintage Notes
The label is a cross-section of seriously old soils in Paarl. Always a blend and usually Cabernet Sauvignon dominant, with help from Merlot, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc. 18 months in French oak barrique. Ripe black cherry, mineral, supple.
Scores
2018 Wine Spectator 91
2019 Greg Sherwood 92
2019 Decanter 94
Series M
Paarl
Harvest & Vintage Notes
M for a Merlot based Bordeaux blend. The famed Zelma Long and husband Phil Freese bring the American part to this first American and South African joint venture. Mike Ratcliffe of Warwick family history completes the picture. Aged for almost 2 years in French barrique. Dark red and blue fruits, savory, finesse.
Scores
2013 Wine Enthusiast 90
2014 Wine Advocate 90
2014 Vinous 91
Series C
Paarl
Harvest & Vintage Notes
The Cabernet-based counterpart to Series M. The smallest production of the three wines, averaging about 45 barrels per vintage. Both barrique and older French oak are used for nearly 24 months of aging. Cassis, violets, refined.
Scores
2015 Wine Spectator 90
2015 Vinous 93
2015 James Suckling 93