Morgenster Estate Lourens River Valley Red 2019
Deep ruby with garnet edges. Polished nose of blackcurrant, dark plum, mulberry and graphite with savoury hints of cedar, dried herbs and sweet pipe tobacco. Medium- to full-bodied with refined, fine-grained tannins, a juicy mid-palate and a long, structured finish carrying Bordeaux-style restraint and Cape sunshine in equal measure. Drinks beautifully with grilled lamb, slow-roast beef or aged hard cheeses.
Kaapzicht Bottelary Hills Estate Blend 2022
Deep, opaque purple-black. Layered nose of cassis, dark plum, mulberry and cedar with savoury notes of crushed herbs, graphite and a whisper of vanilla and cocoa from the barrel. Full-bodied with grippy, fine-grained tannins, a generous core of dark berry fruit and a long, mineral-led finish. Built for the long haul — equally at home with venison, slow-roast lamb or a mature cheeseboard.
Vilafonté Series M 2011
Vilafonté Series M 2021
This sensuous wine embodies a refined style and dignified elegance. A Malbec and Merlot dominant blend, opulent in nature, with a defining structure of Cabernet Sauvignon.
22 months in 26% new French oak barrique. A blend of Merlot (41%), Malbec (35%), Cabernet Sauvignon (17%) and Cabernet Franc (7%).
Only 78 barrels were produced.
Mysterious & Potent
A masterpiece. The Series M 2021 is enticingly dense with complex and exotic aromas and rich with
flavour, owing to the Merlot and Malbec components that define this blend.
It presents an opaque purple-black hue, with little variation from its centre to the glass’s edge. As it
unwinds in the glass, savoury charcuterie and sweet baking spices give way to fragrant, zesty bergamot
and jasmine tea. Seductively well-articulated fruit notes of ripe mulberry, blackberry and red currants are complemented by hints of star anise and dried mandarin rind. A subtle underlying ferrous tone of intrigue. The palate is beautifully round and effortlessly long. A texture reminiscent of crushed velvet envelops the senses, revealing a pleasurable structure, abundant yet precise power, and a supple, mouth-coating quality. Gorgeous umami flavours of Parma ham harmonize seamlessly with a saline minerality, culminating in an intense, fruit-driven finish. While the 2021 Series M is already 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.
Vilafonte Series C 2020
Series C 2021
Sumptuous & Measured
Series C 2021 represents a vivid expression of our unique vilafonté site.
It exhibits a dark red-black coloured centre and brightly ruby-rimmed edge. Opening unhurriedly it reveals a layered aromatic palette with notes of incense and violet blossom that segue to delicious black plum, fresh black currants and Boysenberries. Subtle hints of sandalwood, sappy juniper and blonde tobacco gradually emerge with further time in the glass. The palate is luscious, with silky tannins and linear progression that finish with great presence and length. Generous fruit expression adds dimension to this elegant and impeccably well-balanced wine.
While the 2021 Series C is already 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.
99/100 Anthony Mueller, Wine Advocate, December 2023
"Flirting with triple digits, the 2021 Series C is constructed of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. Still incredibly tight yet exuding that special “it” factor, the red blend is layered with gorgeous dark red and succulent black fruit tones with gobs of attractive oak essences that sway with power and finesse. If you're a cult California Cabernet collector, you'll want to add this to your cellar as fast as possible. Just under 20,000 bottles rested for about two years in French oak barrels, 81% new. It's utterly profound."
Vilafonte Series C 2013
Series C 2021
Sumptuous & Measured
Series C 2021 represents a vivid expression of our unique vilafonté site.
It exhibits a dark red-black coloured centre and brightly ruby-rimmed edge. Opening unhurriedly it reveals a layered aromatic palette with notes of incense and violet blossom that segue to delicious black plum, fresh black currants and Boysenberries. Subtle hints of sandalwood, sappy juniper and blonde tobacco gradually emerge with further time in the glass. The palate is luscious, with silky tannins and linear progression that finish with great presence and length. Generous fruit expression adds dimension to this elegant and impeccably well-balanced wine.
While the 2021 Series C is already 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.
99/100 Anthony Mueller, Wine Advocate, December 2023
"Flirting with triple digits, the 2021 Series C is constructed of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. Still incredibly tight yet exuding that special “it” factor, the red blend is layered with gorgeous dark red and succulent black fruit tones with gobs of attractive oak essences that sway with power and finesse. If you're a cult California Cabernet collector, you'll want to add this to your cellar as fast as possible. Just under 20,000 bottles rested for about two years in French oak barrels, 81% new. It's utterly profound."
Vilafonté Series M 2021
Vilafonté Series M 2021
This sensuous wine embodies a refined style and dignified elegance. A Malbec and Merlot dominant blend, opulent in nature, with a defining structure of Cabernet Sauvignon.
22 months in 26% new French oak barrique. A blend of Merlot (41%), Malbec (35%), Cabernet Sauvignon (17%) and Cabernet Franc (7%).
Only 78 barrels were produced.
Mysterious & Potent
A masterpiece. The Series M 2021 is enticingly dense with complex and exotic aromas and rich with
flavour, owing to the Merlot and Malbec components that define this blend.
It presents an opaque purple-black hue, with little variation from its centre to the glass’s edge. As it
unwinds in the glass, savoury charcuterie and sweet baking spices give way to fragrant, zesty bergamot
and jasmine tea. Seductively well-articulated fruit notes of ripe mulberry, blackberry and red currants are complemented by hints of star anise and dried mandarin rind. A subtle underlying ferrous tone of intrigue. The palate is beautifully round and effortlessly long. A texture reminiscent of crushed velvet envelops the senses, revealing a pleasurable structure, abundant yet precise power, and a supple, mouth-coating quality. Gorgeous umami flavours of Parma ham harmonize seamlessly with a saline minerality, culminating in an intense, fruit-driven finish. While the 2021 Series M is already 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.
Vilafonté Series M 2020
Vilafonté Series M 2020
Reticent & Commanding
The Series M 2020 possesses a regal, dignified character. Beautifully nuanced, showing an attractive tension and energy. It displays a great density of red to black colour and magenta-tinged rim. Seductive aromas of cranberry and ripe cherry fluently segue to lush notes of black raspberry, blueberry and subtle dried thyme, owing to the Merlot and Malbec components of this blend. Lifted rose petal, blonde tobacco, cacao and warm orange rind add layers of complexity. The palate is deftly poised, with consistent weight throughout and framed by ripe, supple tannins and elegant acidity. Smooth on entry, then broadening to display fine satin-textured tannins that envelop the palate and culminating in a soft, round finish of plum, raspberry and milk chocolate. While alluring in its youth, the 2020 Series M promises a decade or more of cellaring to realise its full potential.
The Blend
Twenty-two months in twelve percent new French oak barrique, with the balance in older French oak. Series M 2020 consists of Merlot (forty-three), Malbec (thirty-seven percent), Cabernet Sauvignon (fourteen percent) and Cabernet Franc (six percent). Sixty-five barrels were produced.
96/100 Greg Sherwood
The 2020 Series M from Vilafonte reverts back to a right bank Merlot dominated blend with a 43% Merlot, 37% Malbec, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Cabernet Franc assemblage and stands out as being particularly old world and classical in style showing pronounced notes of dusty limestone, sweet violets, lilac, dried herbs, sweet cedar, piquant black currants, black cherry and an intense black chocolate cocoa spice. But it’s the palate structure that departs from many more recent vintage releases of Series M revealing a notable St Emilion / Pomerol style elegance, richly illustrated by a fine-grained mineral restraint and a classically pithy black berry complexity that delivers a compelling tension combined with subtle hedonistic nuances. This Series M seems so very grown up, multi-dimensional and mineral-laden, finishing with mouth coating powdery tannins and a soft, plush, understated mocha-laden persistence. Another wonderful expression with incredible energy, intricate earthy accents and a seamless mineral patina. Drink from 2024 to 2040+.
Groot Constantia Gouverners Reserve Red 2021
The Groot Constantia Gouverneurs Reserve Red 2021 is a South African red blend from the Constantia region, featuring notes of blackcurrant, dark chocolate, and cedar. It is a full-bodied, complex wine with a firm structure and aging potential, made primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot.
Zorgvliet Richelle 2019
Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon–led, with Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot in support.
Aroma & Palate: Concentrated blackcurrant, cassis and mulberry with violet, graphite and cedar. Layers of plum, leather, dried herbs, spice, tobacco leaf and a touch of eucalyptus. Rich but refined, with fine-grained tannins.
Structure & Finish: Powerful yet elegant; long, savoury finish with hints of mocha, dark chocolate and subtle salinity.
Keermont Merlot 2021
The Keermont Merlot 2021 has a vibrant venetian red colour. Enticing spicy red fruit on the nose with hints of cinnamon, dried herbs, dust and mixed berries. Classical elegant, fruitful palate with dark plums, cherries and vanilla notes. Fine tannins and fresh acidity hold the wine into a long savoury finish. Best drinking: 2024-2035.
4 ½ stars PLATTER’S GUIDE
93 pts TIM ATKIN (MW)
Glenelly Lady May 2020
Glenelly Lady May 2020
Crafted from the best Bordeaux components of 2020, it reveals rich dark berry aromas with hints of mocha and cedar on the nose. The palate offers sweet fruit flavours, smooth tannins, and a long, refined finish.
Lady May is Glenelly’s flagship estate wine. The 2020 Bordeaux blend pays tribute to the pedigree of its legendary owner. In honour of May de Lencquesaing’s 100th birthday, a special-edition label graces the Lady May 2020 vintage. A rare collector’s item for your cellar.
GRAPE VARIETIES : 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot
Tim Atkin MW 2024 96 Points
Neal Martin – Vinous 2024 93 Points
James Suckling 2024 94 Points
Anthonij Rupert Optima 2021
ANTHONIJ RUPERT OPTIMA 2021
37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Franc, 6% Malbec
Tendrils of spice add nuance and allure to a nose packed with black berries, hedgerow fruit and some mocha notes. The palate is plush, rounded and pillowy but layered with dark fruitcake flavour, black cherry, baking spice and pencil shavings too. The mouthfeel is complemented by its overall stature and regal refinement. Balanced with seamless integration of oak and ripe, rich fruit with lovely succulence and freshness as well. Complex, supple and silky smooth, the wine is ultimately simply delicious with a superbly long tail
