In the formative years, Winemaking Partner Zelma Long noticed that the Vilafonte vineyard were producing two distinctive styles. Both styles were of the highest quality, not one of them better than the other, but distinctive nonetheless. One portion of the vineyard produced a soft, rounded, fleshy and fruit driven style. The other side of our vineyard produced a bolder, more powerful and structured style. It was this realisation that lead to the emergence of Series M and Series C.
Series C takes its name from the Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc which predominantly defines the style of this wine. The Series C style is that of a firm, powerful and concentrated wine, rich in fruit at release and blended for long aging. The Cabernet comes from our most potent blocks of Cabernet Sauvignon, the Cabernet Franc displays hints of violet flowers and elegance while the Merlot component gives it a velvety texture.
Note from Neal Martin on the Series C 2014 - 94 points
The 2014 Series C is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 10% Malbec and 6% Cabernet Franc, matured in 70% new French oak for 22 months. Deep in color, in my opinion it has a superior bouquet compared to the Series M this vintage: very well defined with gorgeous black cherry and blueberry fruit, the oak seamlessly integrated even though it will need 3-4 years to fully integrate. The palate is medium-bodied, smooth and velvety in texture with finely tuned acidity, nicely poised and gently fanning out with a fresh blackberry and bilberry finish, white pepper and clove lingering on the aftertaste. This is one of the most refined vintages of Series C that I have tasted.