De Trafford new releases

De Trafford Winery sits on the Mont Fleur farm, 380 m above Stellenbosch between the Stellenbosch and Helderberg mountains. The property was purchased in 1976 with high-altitude slopes, which was previously wild grazing land, identified as ideal for premium red varieties. Early plantings in the 1980s were limited by quota restrictions and the resulting experimental wines were made mainly for family and friends. With quotas lifted in 1991, the winery was registered in time for the 1992 harvest, the first commercial release.

David Trafford, originally an architect, works alongside his wife Rita, a qualified chef and artist, overseeing all aspects of production. Today, they tend 6ha of own vineyard and source additional grapes from elsewhere in Stellenbosch, producing just 40 000 bottles, in a truly boutique operation.

Skin Macerated Chenin Blanc 2022
Price: R360
Grapes from various Stellenbosch sites. Left of skins for seven days. Matured for 10 months in old 400-litre barrels. Expressive aromatics of lemon, orange, ginger, potpourri, herbs and spice. The palate shows dense fruit and tangy acidity before a savoury finish. Bittersweet with just hint of phenolic grip. Alc: 13.99%.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Merlot 2021
Price: R490
Matured for 19 months in barrel, 30% new. The nose reveals plum, cassis, violets, with subtle leafiness and a touch of earth. The palate is succulent rather than overtly sweet or luscious, medium-bodied, and harmonious, with fresh acidity and fine tannins. Nicely dry on the finish, this showcases elegance throughout. Alc: 14.14%.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Belfield 2022
Price: R465
Grapes from the Kreft family farm in Elgin. 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot. Matured for 18 months in barrel, 25% new. Pretty aromatics of red currant, black cherry, violets and some leafiness, any oak very much in the background. The palate is medium bodied, with lively acidity giving the wine particular vitality, while the tannins are fine and powdery. Alc: 13.99%.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
Price: R490
Includes some grapes from neighbour Keermont. Matured for 23 months in barrel, 30% new. Red and black berries, some leafiness, vanilla an oak spice. The palate has depth without being too opulent – clean, pure and upright with bright acidity and smooth tannins, the finish nicely dry. Alc: 14.88%.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Syrah Elevation 393 2021
Price: R800
Partial whole-bunch fermentation. Matured for 12 months in small oak (25% new) before a further eight months in old 700-litre oak. Red and black berries, fynbos, earth and pepper on the nose while the palate is luscious with sleek tannins – a seamless example that will find favour with those who prefer their Syrah more supple than savoury or grippy. Alc: 13.92%.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

Blueprint Syrah 2022
Price: R360
Mostly from neighbouring Keermont. 15% whole-bunch fermentation. Matured for 20 months in old oak. The nose shows red and black berries, flowers, some meatiness, and pepper. Full bodied with good freshess and soft tannins. On the palate, it is full-bodied yet balanced, with fresh acidity and soft, rounded tannins. Hearty and generous, it stops just short of being sweet or hot. Alc: 15.14%.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

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