Vilafonté Series C Paarl 2020

97 points Anthony Mueller (Wine Advocate): "Made with 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 10% Malbec and 8% Cabernet Franc, the 2020 Series C is firm, generously layered and tight, needing more time in the bottle to come around and find its stride. Full-bodied and complex, the palate reveals succulent flavors of blackberry jus and spiced plum compote with layers of brown baking spices and oak essence. Possessing a tight tannic grip, the mid-palate is rich and round yet still compact in its youth. The wine aged in French oak, 68% new, for 22 months before being bottled. It's a gorgeous wine that will no doubt age brilliantly. Just under 18,000 bottles produced. Drink 2025-2045. (12/29/23)."

94 points Neal Martin (Vinous): "Due for release next year, the 2020 Series C is much broodier and more backward than the Series M, the Cabernet Sauvignon imparting light cedar and tobacco scents. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, quite dense and exerting an insistent grip thanks to its backbone. Yet there is plenty of elegance and refinement on the lightly spiced finish and more persistence than the previous vintage. Great potential. Drink 2027-2050. (Aug 2022)."

94 points Wine Spectator: "A lovely red, with blackberry coulis and baked boysenberry flavors gaining added depth from rich details of ground coffee, candied violet, wild sage and star anise. Medium- to full-bodied and well-meshed, structured by fine-grained, creamy tannins. Lush, lingering finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2030. 1,525 cases made, 37 cases imported."