De Trafford 393 new releases

The “393” designated wines from De Trafford come from plantings high up (393 metres above sea level) on the on the Helderberg farm that is home to David and Rita Trafford. Tasting notes and ratings for the new releases as follows:

De Trafford Syrah 393 2019
Price: R580
Partial whole-bunch fermentation. Maturation lasting 20 months first in small French oak barrels of which 30% were new, before a further period in older 700-litre barrels. Ripe dark berries, cured meat, earth, pepper and spice on the nose while the palate is rich and structured – loads of flavour, bright acidity and crunchy tannins.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

De Trafford Elevation 393 2015
Price: R1 100
The cellar’s pinnacle wine. 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Syrah and 27% Merlot. Matured for 20 months, mostly new French oak used. Complex and engaging aromatics with top notes of floral perfume, fynbos and incense before plums, cherries and cassis plus earth and spice. The palate shows good depth of fruit, bright acidity and fine tannins, the finish long and savoury. It’s a remarkably vivid and well structured wine offering many years of drinking pleasure ahead.

CE’s rating: 96/100.

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