Vilafonte’ Wines has a wonderful web site with a pleasant interview with one of the founders fellow Californian Zelma Long. All three partners have a long history in wine making, production and marketing… and it seems like a fun group.
Like many blends with Cabernet, I prefer mine to have a sizable helping of Merlot to smooth it out… and their ‘2003 Series m’ does not disappoint. After sampling, I bought the Bevmo’s last three bottles on-line … but more are available elsewhere, such as at Southern Wine. I suspect that the 2003 series might not be Zelma’s favorite…. although sentimentally the first.
South Africa seems to be dotted with many boutique style wineries and if you are looking for something special, this is very enjoyable. Be advised, most small wineries do not produce the quatities , so a bit of searching will be required.
What to use Vilafonte’ Series M with is really not a question. They describe their wine themselves as very versatile. Excellent with poultry, chicken, duck and the main fare of holiday meals ( such as ham). I was amused that they mentioned it was good with South African ‘Spingbok’. As an aside, Zelma did say that it could be served with many South African dishes known for their ‘fruity components’. I cannot think of anything better than the ‘Series m’ along with a healthy serving of ‘ Bobotie’ on Saffron Rice!
Looking for something fun and different… check it out!
Roger Freberg