Every Father’s Day, the question looms: what do you give the dad who’s got the grill, the gadgets, and an opinion on stemware?
Answer: Seriously Old Dirt by Vilafonté—a wine that’s as deeply rooted, quietly complex, and effortlessly cool as he is.
Let’s Talk Vilafonté
Before we get into the dirt, let’s set the stage. Vilafonté isn’t your average winery. It’s a transcontinental dream team:
- Dr. Phil Freese (ex-Opus One viticulturist)
- Dr. Zelma Long (ex-Chapallet, Simi, and Mondavi winemaker)
- Mike Ratcliffe, a South African industry pioneer with Stellenbosch lineage
Together, they set out in 1997 to prove South Africa could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the greatest wine regions in the world. But they didn’t just plant vines—they dug deep, literally, founding their project on the ancient soils of the Paarl region. Some of this dirt? Over 1.5 million years old.
That’s older than your dad’s record collection. Maybe even older than his jokes.
Seriously Old Dirt: The Gateway to Greatness
Vilafonté’s flagship Series M and Series C are legendary—structured, age-worthy, collector wines. But Seriously Old Dirt is their wink at the next generation. It’s their second wine, sure—but don’t call it junior.
2022 Vintage Snapshot:
- Blend: 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Malbec, 2% Merlot, 1% Cab Franc
- Fruit Source: Across the Western Cape—Paarl, Robertson, Bonnievale
- Soils: Bokkeveld shale, Glenrosa, red sandy loam, and quartz-rich Askham
- Vine Age: 7 to 29 years
- Winemaker: Arlene Mains
- Vinification: Fermented in stainless steel at 26°C, with tailored pumpovers. Aged in a mix of French oak and stainless steel.
Tasting Notes for the Trade (and the Table)
- Eyes: Deep ruby core.
- Nose: Floral lift with blackcurrant, plum, raspberry, and dark cherry. Clove and cinnamon add spice.
- Palate: Silky texture, plush fruit, and a savory dark chocolate finish. Medium-bodied with satin-like tannins and lively acidity.
- Aging Potential: 5–10 years (but let’s be honest, dad’s opening it Sunday).
Why It Belongs on Your Father’s Day Shelf (and By-the-Glass List)
Name Power
“Seriously Old Dirt” is basically a dad joke in bottle form. But make it classy.
It’s Built for Food—and Fun
Pizza, grilled steak, slow-braised short ribs, or solo contemplation on the porch—this wine has range.
It’s a Serious Wine That Doesn’t Take Itself Too Seriously
It’s got the pedigree, the complexity, the terroir. But it’s also drinkable, versatile, and ready to charm anyone who swears they “only drink Pinot.”
It’s South Africa’s Story, Told Through Bordeaux Blends
Vilafonté has put South African fine wine on the global map. Seriously Old Dirt is the approachable on-ramp for curious drinkers—and a favorite among savvy buyers.
The Bottom Line
Father’s Day is about legacy, patience, generosity, and a little bit of grit. That’s Vilafonté’s story. That’s Seriously Old Dirt. And frankly, that’s Dad.
