Vilafonte Series M, Vilafonte Winery 2014

The 2014 Series M comes from 17 different blocks each vinified separately. It is a blend of 39% Merlot, 36% Malbec and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon. It is matured in French oak for 20 months, just 3% new oak mainly, as it turned out to be a larger vintage than expected according to winemaker Zelma Long. It has a rich bouquet, ripe and generous with kirsch, crushed strawberry and blueberry, later just a smear of creme de cassis. The palate is soft and rounded on the entry, a little smudged perhaps, yet still nicely balanced with a sprinkle of white pepper towards the finish. Perhaps it just needs a little more persistence on the aftertaste compared to vintages that I have tasted in the past, but still a fine Series M.