Vilafonte Series M 2018 Paarl

It is fair to say that Vilafonte has quickly become an iconic South African red, with the domestic releases selling out in hours to avid collectors. Luckily for us Brits, we're not so clever and so these wines are available in the UK on the shelves of retailers like us. The M here stands for malbec and, to a lesser extent, merlot, which make up the majority of this blend, which is then supplemented by a little cabernet suavignon and cabernet franc. This blew ours socks off with its utterly seamless richness, a testament to meticulous work in the vineyards and in the cellar. Suffice to say, this is a red that recalls Napa in its sense of luxury and complexity, but there is something fresher and brighter here than in many Napa blockbusters. And should we mention that it's half the price of its Californian competition?