Sijnn new releases

Changing things up.

Sijnn, the project begun by David Trafford of De Trafford and partners in Malgas, has released dual vintages of its top-end red blend, the 2011 and 2015, along with the 2017 of the white blend. There has also been a label design change, the new version depicting the stone winery.

Sijnn White 2017
Price: R280
84% Chenin Blanc, 13% Viognier and 3% Roussanne. Matured for 11 months in 400- and 700-litre barrels, 11% new. Citrus, stone fruit and quince, some waxy character and a little struck-match reduction on the nose. Rich and layered with punchy acidity (alcohol: 13.6%). Lovely proportions – weighty but not too much so. A dramatic wine.

Editor’s rating: 93/100.

Sijnn Red 2011
Price: R250
From 52% Syrah, 19% Touriga Nacional, 17% Mourvèdre, 17% Trincadeira and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon. Matured for 22 months in French oak, 20% new. Red fruit, dried herbs and spice plus a hint of maltiness. Medium bodied (alcohol: 13.74%) with bright acidity and nicely grippy tannins.

Editor’s rating: 92/100.

Sijnn Red 2015
Price: R350
First vintage to made on site by Charla Haasbroek. 47% Syrah, 19% Touriga Nacional, 19% Trincadeira, 8% Mourvèdre and 7% Cabernet Sauvignon. Matured for 22 months in French oak, 20% new. The nose shows red and black fruit, liqourice, malt, spice and a certain inkiness. The palate is flavourful and compelling – not too full bodied (alcohol:  14.16%) with bright acidity and tannins that are already quite mellow. Constantly draws you back to the glass.

Editor’s rating: 92/100.

Find our South African wine ratings database here.