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+.
Caballo Loco Red Blend NV No. 21
Deep ruby with violet glints. Intense aromas of dark cherry, cassis, blackberry and bramble interwoven with sweet spice, espresso, leather and a whisper of smoke. Full-bodied and complex on the palate, with ripe tannins, balanced acidity and a long, layered finish. A remarkable living wine that deepens with every edition.
Raymond R Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
Raymond Vineyards R Collection Cabernet Sauvignon opens with a deep, garnet hue and an appealing aromatic profile dominated by bright red and dark berry fruits—think ripe blackberry and plum—alongside spice elements like clove and subtle white pepper that add complexity on the nose. These notes are framed by hints of blueberry and gentle sweet spice that make the first sniff both vivid and inviting.
On the palate, the medium-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon delivers rich flavours of rhubarb, blackcurrant, raspberry and baked plum, all of which mingle seamlessly with smooth, well-integrated tannins. There’s a touch of vanilla and cocoa toward the finish, giving the wine a plush yet balanced texture that makes it both approachable and satisfying.
The finish is long and gratifying, with lingering fruit and spice that encourage sipping slowly or pairing with hearty foods such as grilled red meats or mature cheeses. Overall, the R Collection Cab is structured and expressive—showcasing Californian fruit character with a touch of spice and oak influence—making it a versatile and enjoyable everyday Cabernet.
Château Cantenac Brown BriO de Cantenac Brown Margaux 2017
BriO de Cantenac Brown 2017 is the opulent, accessible second wine of the 3rd Growth Margaux estate, designed for earlier drinking. It features intense, velvety red fruit—specifically black cherry, raspberry, and blackcurrant—balanced with notes of dark chocolate, tobacco, and vanilla. The palate is typically medium-to-full-bodied, soft, and, well-structured with silky tannins.
Key Tasting Notes and Characteristics
Aroma: Highly perfumed with ripe red and black fruits, including cherry, strawberry, and blackcurrant, complemented by subtle hints of dark chocolate, earth, and tobacco.
Palate: Rich, velvety, and textured. It provides a generous ripe fruit profile with a velvety,, full-bodied mouthfeel.
Structure: Soft, well-integrated, and, silky tannins with a, fresh, lasting, finish.
Blend: Predominantly Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, creating a approachable style.
Food Pairings
Meats: Seared beef tenderloin, roast lamb with herbs, or duck breast with cherry sauce.
Other: Umami-rich mushroom risotto or aged Gouda cheese.
Bargylus Grand Vin de Syrie Rouge
The wine is as intense as you would expect from an emissary from the arid land of the crusades, with the fragrance of balsam and savoury spices plus a top note of some dried herbs, but it manages to remain wonderfully fresh and appetising on the finish too after intense, ripe, quite complex fruit. Eastern promise indeed! I really don’t think many people would be disappointed by what this wine has to offer. It is 14.6% alcohol but is chock-full of flavour. Jancis Robinson, (17)
Blend composition
~60% Syrah
~20% Merlot
~20% Cabernet Sauvignon
Merum Priorati Inici 2020
The Merum Priorati Inici 2020 is a powerful, structured Spanish red from Priorat, a blend of Garnacha, Carinena, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and sometimes Merlot, offering intense notes of black cherry, licorice, vanilla, oak, and spice, with a mineral-driven palate of ripe red fruits and firm tannins, best paired with rich meats like lamb or rabbit. It's known for its deep color, rich aroma, balanced acidity, and lingering spicy finish, reflecting the region's unique slate soils (llicorella).
Petrolo Torrione 2022
This wine is mostly Sangiovese with a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon. The Petrolo 2022 Torrione reveals a luminous ruby tinge and follows through with bold cherry, blackcurrant and crushed rose. This vintage brings forth more textural heft in terms of mouthfeel, and it feels a little richer on the finish. You get excellent quality at a still-affordable price.” Monica Larner, WINE ADVOCATE 94 points
“The 2022 Torrione is a bold, fruity wine with terrific up-front intensity and tons of charm. Crushed red berry fruit, rose petal, cinnamon, new leather and cedar fill out the layers. This approachable, juicy Torrione is a delight.” – Antonio Galloni, VINOUS 93 points
Thelema Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Thelema Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 is complex and stylish, with aromas of blackcurrant leaf and coffee bean which progresses into a palate that’s structured and racy with hints of leather, dark chocolate and sweet blackberry. The firm tannins yields a gripping mouthfeel from the first sip through to the long lingering finish.
5 STARS - PLATTER'S WINE GUIDE 2025
Food Pairing
A butterflied leg of lamb or a lamb steak with rosemary and potato dauphinoise on the side.
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.
Bodega Norton Privada Family Blend 2023
The Bodega Norton Privada Family Blend 2023 is an Argentine red wine from the Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza region, composed of 40% Malbec, 30% Merlot, and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. It is aged for 16 months in French oak, resulting in a deep ruby-red wine with aromas of ripe fruit, spice, and vanilla, and a rich, full-bodied palate with smooth tannins. The wine is praised for its complexity and is often paired with red meats and aged cheeses.
