Sijnn new releases

David and Rita Trafford of De Trafford founded Sijnn in 2003, drawn to the unique terroir outside Malgas on the banks of the Breede River. Their conviction was that the low-vigour soils, warm (but not overly hot) climate – tempered by the ocean just 15km away – and limited rainfall would yield wines of distinctive character.

Grapes were initially transported to Stellenbosch for vinification, with a new chapter beginning when Charla Bosman was appointed full-time winemaker in December 2014, followed by the completion of a dedicated on-site cellar the next year.

Tasting notes and ratings for the latest releases as follows:

White 2023
Price: R388
74% Chenin Blanc, 15% Viognier, 6% Roussanne, 5% Verdelho. Spontaneously fermented and matured for 10 months in 400- and 700-litre barrels, 10% new. Complex aromatics of peach, apricot, citrus, hints of ginger and other spice, bee’s wax and yeasty complexity. The palate is rich with vibrant acidity and an intensely savoury finish. Brimming with flavour and personality. Alc: 14.31%.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Red 2021
Price: R500
39% Syrah, 18% Tinta Amarella, 18% Touriga Nacional, 11% Grenache, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Mourvèdre and 3% Carignan. Fermented in oak vats, a small portion whole bunch. Matured for 22 months in barrel, 20% new. The nose is wild and exotic with notes of red and black berries, earth, fynbos, pepper and spice while the palate shows pure fruit, tangy acidity and crunchy tannins. Not at all mainstream, yet refreshingly understated – alcohol is a modest 13%, with no reliance on oak to make its point.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Check out our South African wine ratings database.