Vilafonte Seriously Old Dirt 2022

A serious Cape Bordeaux Blend, centred on Cabernet Sauvignon and grown on the clay and decomposed granite soils of Stellenbosch. Now under the direction of winemaker Arlene Mains, this shows even greater finesse. Ageing takes place over 22 months in French oak barriques, a third of them new - enough to bring structure and spice, without overshadowing the fruit. Cassis, plum and black cherry come laced with cedar, graphite and a savoury, herbal lift. Tannins are firm but composed, giving length and line rather than bulk. Full-bodied and finely built, this is a wine shaped as much by precision and restraint as by ripeness and power.

With years ahead of it though shining already. Good alongside roast beef, venison or well-aged cheese

The vision of the three founding partners, Mike Ratcliffe, Zelma Long and Dr Phil Freese, Vilafonté was founded in 1996 when they discovered the potential for making premium Bordeaux blends from a unique vineyard site on the Paarl-Simonsberg region of South Africa. Co-founder Mike is a leader in the Cape wine industry also managing director of his family business, Stellenbosch's Warwick Estate while Phil, also a graduate of the Rober Mondavi Winery having spent 13 years there as vice-president of Wine Growing is the creator of the vineyards.