TN : Vilafonte Series C, 2004, South Africa

This wine was imported by WineWorld AB.

It is a blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, 35% Merlot, and 4% Malbec. The total production was 52 French oak barrels. 71% of the barrels were new. The alcohol level quoted on the Vilafonte website is 15.1% which is much higher than that on the label. The wine was aged for 19 months in 100% 225 litre barrels. The coopers used were 39% Taransaud and 33% Francois Freres. 40% was inoculated yeast and 60% of the fermentation was with natural yeast.

There was a dry winter, a prolonged cool spell during the Cabernet harvest, a three day hot spell in late January, a four day hot spell in early February, and light rain on March 2nd.

The vineyards used for this wine are in the Paarl region.

Vilafonte is a joint winemaking venture between winemaker Zelma Long, winegrower Phil Freese, and wine marketeer Mike Ratcliffe.

Colour : Dark cassis

Aroma : Cassis, vanilla, oak

Taste : Blackcurrant, coffee, slight sweetness, red fruits, oak, some spice, vanilla, very long finish

Alcohol : 14.5%

Price : 349 SEK

Mark : A

Website : Vilafonte
Website : WineWorld AB