Vilafonté Series C 2022 Bottle size: 750ml

‘Vintage variation at wineries like Vilafonte often means little, but for the market, 2021 was the vintage of the decade to buy and covet. Like 1996 followed and surpassed 1995 in Bordeaux, could this plush and opulent 2022 excel in the shadow of the iconic 2021 Series C cuvee? In the recent months, all the 2022s I have tasted are every bit the equal of many of the 2021 wines, showing concentration, balance and freshness. Always the benchmark cuvee of the Vilafonte winery, the Series C 2022, a blend of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 10% Malbec and 10% Cabernet Franc, presents itself as a rich, opulent expression packed full of salted black liquorice, sweet black berries, warm blueberry crumble and subtle aromatics of vanilla pod and cedar wood spice. The initial approach on the palate is classical and restrained, showing drying tannins and classical granitic mineral undertones but the texture is like silk, seamless, sultry and beautifully balanced with a big punchy concentration on the finish.This is high pedigree Cabernet Sauvignon done extremely well in a global context. Drink on release to 2040+.’ - Greg Sherwood MW, 95+/100

‘The 2022 Series C spent 22 months in 73% new oak from five cooperages, half from Taransaud. It has a very elegant bouquet, like the Series M, with slightly darker fruit due to the higher proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon (56%). Scents of pencil box and sea spray add further complexity. Quite fresh with a keen line of acidity, the palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins. Pastille-like red fruit joins a hint of black pepper toward the linear finish. Very fine. 2025-2040’ - Neal Martin, Vinous, 92/100