Description
The Vilafonté Seriously Old Dirt 2023 is a Cabernet Sauvignon-led Bordeaux blend built around one of the defining ideas behind Vilafonté: that great wine begins with the Cape's extraordinarily ancient soils. Originally conceived as a second wine in the Bordeaux tradition, Seriously Old Dirt has developed an identity of its own, combining serious pedigree and structure with an approachable, generous style.
The 2023 is fresh and expressive, opening with red cherry, plum, blueberry, and cassis, layered with dried herbs, peppery spice, vanilla, cinnamon, and subtle tobacco. The palate is medium-bodied yet concentrated, with juicy fruit carried by fine tannins and fresh acidity. Savory spice and mineral notes emerge through the finish, giving the wine enough structure for the cellar without sacrificing its immediate appeal.
Presented here in 1.5-liter magnum, it is particularly well suited to sharing at the table or laying down in the cellar. Pair with grilled ribeye, slow-braised beef short ribs, lamb tagine, venison, mushroom dishes, or filet with truffle jus.
The 2023 is fresh and expressive, opening with red cherry, plum, blueberry, and cassis, layered with dried herbs, peppery spice, vanilla, cinnamon, and subtle tobacco. The palate is medium-bodied yet concentrated, with juicy fruit carried by fine tannins and fresh acidity. Savory spice and mineral notes emerge through the finish, giving the wine enough structure for the cellar without sacrificing its immediate appeal.
Presented here in 1.5-liter magnum, it is particularly well suited to sharing at the table or laying down in the cellar. Pair with grilled ribeye, slow-braised beef short ribs, lamb tagine, venison, mushroom dishes, or filet with truffle jus.
The 2023 growing season followed a cold, wet spring that delayed the beginning of harvest. Cool to moderate temperatures followed, with an absence of significant heatwaves during February and March, helping the grapes retain freshness while developing flavor and tannin maturity.
Harvest began on February 7, 2023. After picking, the fruit underwent a six-day cold soak, followed by fermentation at approximately 25°C for 10–12 days. Malolactic fermentation took place in stainless steel.
The wine was subsequently matured for 22 months in French oak barriques and seasoned tanks, building texture and complexity while allowing the Cabernet-led fruit and savory character to remain central.
Winemaker: Arlene Mains
Harvest began on February 7, 2023. After picking, the fruit underwent a six-day cold soak, followed by fermentation at approximately 25°C for 10–12 days. Malolactic fermentation took place in stainless steel.
The wine was subsequently matured for 22 months in French oak barriques and seasoned tanks, building texture and complexity while allowing the Cabernet-led fruit and savory character to remain central.
Winemaker: Arlene Mains
Founded in 1996, Vilafonté was created through a collaboration between South African and American wine professionals with the goal of producing world-class Bordeaux varieties from the ancient soils of the Cape.
Today, the estate is best known for Series C, Series M, and Seriously Old Dirt. Vineyard selection and precision farming remain fundamental to the project, while winemaker Arlene Mains translates that fruit into wines defined by concentration, structure, and longevity.
Today, the estate is best known for Series C, Series M, and Seriously Old Dirt. Vineyard selection and precision farming remain fundamental to the project, while winemaker Arlene Mains translates that fruit into wines defined by concentration, structure, and longevity.
