De Trafford Belfield Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Belfield in Elgin was acquired by the late Mike Kreft and his wife Mel in 2000, the farm these days supplying grapes to several top producers.

David Trafford of De Trafford and Sijnn fame was keen to explore how Cabernet Sauvignon performs under cooler growing conditions and started making an example from Belfield beginning with the 2020 vintage.

The 2021 has just been released (R400 a bottle) and indeed has a markedly different profile to anything that originates from Stellenbosch. Containing 15% Merlot from the same vineyards, it was matured for 20 months in barrel, 20% new.

The nose shows red and black berries, fresh herbs including a touch of mint and oak spice while the palate is medium bodied with a definite coolness about it – pure fruit, fresh acidity and a nicely dry finish. Alcohol: 14%. 

CE’s rating: 92/100.

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