The Seriously Old Dirt brand and winery is certainly a project that has finally come of age. With production topping over 200,000 bottles per year already and the brand being given its own dedicated winery and dedicated winemaker in the form of Arlene Mains, owner Mike Ratcliffe has empowered this venture to continue growing not only in terms of quantity but also quality.

The 2021 vintage was another very fine red vintage with the harvest taking place roughly two weeks later than average owing to the unusually cold and wet conditions experienced in spring which delayed bud-break. Ample rains continued into early summer with flowering largely healthy and even, boding well for an abundant crop.

2021 was also noteworthy for its lack of heatwaves that normally occur in February and March in the Cape. Berries were healthy, vibrant and flavourful with freshness and bold tannins. Harvest began in the second week of February with mild weather conditions prevailing for the remainder of the season.

Vilafonté Seriously Old Dirt 2021 Red Blend, WO Western Cape, 13.5% Abv.

The 2021 Seriously Old Dirt is a blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Malbec, 2% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc and shows a bright and piercing black cherry coloured core with an enticing ruby red rim. The aromatics are wonderfully seductive showing attractive notes of ripe mulberry, pressed violets, sun raisined black cherries, smoky wood embers, dried herbs and subtle earthy black currant nuances. Given time in the glass, the wine unfurls to reveal a complex savoury earthiness underpinned by sleek plush velvety tannins, soft sumptuous acids and a seamless core of red and black berry fruits with a definite Cabernet crème de cassis signature note. This is an incredibly fine-tuned, focused red blend from a great vintage that is silky and soft textured with incredible length and persistence. Devotees of Seriously Old Dirt are in for a thrilling treat this vintage as this exceptional wine will allow immediate drinking but will also reward 6 to 8+ years of extra cellaring.

(Wine Safari Score: 94/100 Greg Sherwood MW)

The wines of Vilafonte are imported into the UK exclusively by agent John E. Fells and sold by leading South African fine wine retailers like Museum Wines. The Seriously Old Dirt retails for circa £29 per bottle.