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+.
Solar de Samaniego Reserva 2019
Deep ruby-cherry with violet highlights. The nose is aromatic and expressive — red and dark fruits, dried herbs, vanilla, sweet oak and a hint of tobacco. The palate is medium-full bodied with smooth, integrated tannins, refreshing acidity and a long, spice-tinged finish. A classic Rioja Alavesa Reserva with excellent balance and real depth of character.
Viñaguareña Munia Especial 2020
Deep ruby with inky violet hues. Intense aromas of blackcurrant, plum and dark cherry compote, underpinned by vanilla, toasted oak, dark chocolate and a hint of tobacco. Full-bodied and concentrated on the palate with firm, ripe tannins, fresh acidity and a long, structured finish with lingering spice. A serious, ageworthy expression of old-vine Tinta de Toro.
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.
Bodegas Caro Petit Caro 2021
Domaine de Galuval Les Collines Rasteau 2020
40% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 30% Mourvedre
Colour:
Deep garnet with purple highlights — dense and youthful.
Nose:
Ripe black cherry, blackberry compote and plum lead the way. Layers of garrigue (thyme, rosemary), cracked black pepper, liquorice root and a touch of cocoa. Subtle smoky mineral edge underneath.
Palate:
Full-bodied and powerful but polished. Concentrated dark fruit core with notes of kirsch, black olive tapenade and sweet spice. Tannins are firm yet rounded, typical of Rasteau’s warmth. Fresh acidity keeps it lifted despite the richness.
Finish:
Long, warming and savoury — dark fruit, spice and a hint of dried herbs lingering.
Kanonkop Pinotage 2022
Kanonkop Pinotage 2022
Bright purple-red colour. Bold aromas of plums, blackberries, hints of liquorice and tar, layers of smoke, roasted nuts and rich vanilla on the nose. The palate is packed with flavours of plums, cherries, black figs, dark chocolate, blackberries and spicy oak. The beautifully integrated plush, creamy tannins with satisfying acidity result in a wonderfully balanced wine with a long finish, promising great maturation potential.
Tim Atkin MW – 94 points
Platter's Wine Guide 2023: 4.5 stars (93 points)
Yves Cuilleron Saint-Joseph Les Pierres Sèches 2023
Yves Cuilleron Saint-Joseph Les Pierres Sèches 2023 opens with a bright ruby-to-purplish hue and an elegant aromatic profile that showcases fresh red and dark fruits—think raspberry, blueberry, and cassis—lifted by floral violet notes and a dash of black pepper spice that’s typical of Syrah from the northern Rhône. There’s also a subtle mineral edge reflecting the sandy, granitic soils of the hillside vineyards where the grapes are grown, giving the nose both vibrancy and precision.
On the palate, the 2023 Les Pierres Sèches displays juicy, tangy fruit balanced by crisp acidity and supple tannins, making it both expressive and approachable. Flavours of ripe berry, cherry, violet, pepper, and a hint of smoky mineral interplay seamlessly, while the wine’s medium-lean structure keeps it lively rather than heavy. The finish is fresh and focused, with a persistent juicy quality and gentle spice that lingers.
Overall, this Saint-Joseph is a well-balanced Syrah that melds fruit intensity with classic northern Rhône savoury character. It’s enjoyable young for its energetic fruit and approachable texture but also has enough structure and freshness to evolve gracefully over the next several years. Its versatility makes it a great match for grilled meats, richer poultry dishes, or earthy roasted vegetables.
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.
La Rioja Alta Viña Alberdi Reserva 2020
La Rioja Alta, S.A. Viña Alberdi Reserva 2020 is a classic Rioja made from 100% Tempranillo, showing a bright garnet color and expressive aromas of ripe red fruits such as raspberry, strawberry, and red cherry. These fruit notes are layered with traditional American oak influences—vanilla, coconut, sweet spice, tobacco, and a light balsamic touch—giving the wine a fragrant, inviting nose.
On the palate, it is medium-bodied and fresh, with lively acidity and silky, well-integrated tannins. The red fruit remains at the core, complemented by subtle smoky, cedar, and toasted notes from barrel aging. The texture is polished and balanced, offering both approachability and structure, with a long, smooth finish marked by lingering fruit and gentle spice.
Critics have rated the 2020 vintage in the low-90s, praising its harmony, elegance, and faithful expression of traditional Rioja Reserva style. It is drinking well now but has the balance to evolve gracefully over the next 5–7 years, making it a versatile and food-friendly choice for dishes like grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and cured cheeses.
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.
San Marzano 60 Sessantanni Old Vines Primitivo di Manduria 2019
The 2019 San Marzano Sessantanni is widely praised as a bold, opulent expression of old‑vine Primitivo. Critics highlight its depth and concentration, with layers of ripe dark fruit—plum, blackberry, cherry jam—wrapped in warm notes of cocoa, vanilla, sweet spice and tobacco. The texture is consistently described as velvety and full‑bodied, with smooth tannins and a long, warming finish. It’s the kind of wine reviewers call hedonistic and powerful, yet polished enough to feel balanced rather than overwhelming.
Across aggregated critic and consumer platforms, the 2019 vintage earns strong scores, often around the mid‑90s equivalent, and sits among the top‑rated Primitivo di Manduria wines in its class. Reviewers emphasise its richness, generosity and immediate drinkability, while noting that the structure and concentration give it the ability to age for several more years. Overall, the critical consensus frames the 2019 Sessantanni as a benchmark example of the style: intense, expressive and unmistakably Mediterranean in character.
