Sijnn new releases

Sijnn, the Malgas property established by David Trafford (of De Trafford fame), derives its name from a Khoisan word meaning “riverbank.” Trafford clarifies that the name is pronounced “sane” as in “insane.” It’s linguistically apt, as the wines born from this rock-strewn landscape near the Breede River estuary are indeed “insane” in the slang sense: intense and exciting.

White 2024
Price: R388

70% Chenin Blanc, 15% Viognier, 6% Roussanne, 5% Verdelho, 4% Vermentino. Matured for 10 months in older oak. Hugely complex aromatics of stone fruit, lemon, orange, with pronounced herbal notes, ginger and other spice, rancio, and bee’s wax. The palate has generous volume without greasiness – intensely flavoured, with bright acidity and a piquant finish. Alc: 13.5%

CE’s rating: 94 | Distinctive

Red 2023
Price: R500

41% Syrah, 13% Tinta Amarella, 11% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Touriga Nacional, 6% Tempranillo, 1% Carignan. Matured for 22 months in barrel, 20% new. Red berries, intense fynbos, cured meat and pepper on the nose. Medium-bodied, with lemon-like acidity and grippy tannins. Not massively dense, but far from insubstantial – super-flavourful, particular, and uncompromising. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 94 | Distinctive

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