Sijnn Varietal Series new releases

David Trafford of De Trafford in Stellenbosch first visited the Malgas area on the banks of the Breede river in 2000 and saw similarities with both the Douro, Portugal and Châteauneuf-du-Pape, France. Land was acquired, vineyards were planted in 2004 and the first vines were planted in 2007.

“The primary focus is our white and red blends,” says winemaker Charla Bosman, incumbent since 2014. “However, every year we also make small batches of single-varietal wines with a view to improving our main wines”. Tasting notes and ratings for the new releases as follows:

Chenin Blanc 2022
Price: R340
Matured in a 700-litre barrel and a 1000-litre foudre. Partial malo-lactic fermentation. Pear, peach, citrus and earth on the nose while the palate shows dense fruit and punchy acidity before a super-dry, slightly grainy finish. Alc: 13.2%.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Grenache 2022
Price: R375
25% whole-bunch fermentation. Matured for nine months in a 1000-litre foudre. Red berries, floral perfume, fynbos and a slight meatiness on the nose. The palate is elegant and light-bodied with fresh acidity and crunchy tannins, the finish again remarkably dry.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Trincadeira 2022
Price: R375
10% whole-bunch fermentation. Picked deliberately early and hence an alcohol of just 11%. Attractively scented with notes of red and black berries, rose, pronounced fynbos and a certain twiginess. The palate is light-bodied with tart acidity. Super geeky – some will find it attenuated.

CE’s rating: 89/100.

Mourvèdre 2022
Price: R375
The nose has that typical varietal wildness – heady notes of black berries, earth, liquorice, fynbos and floral perfume. Generous fruit, fresh acidity and firm tannins. Plenty of flavour. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

Touriga Nacional 2019
Price: R375
Exotic aromatics of dark berries, potpourri, a hint of mint, spice and earth. Massive fruit concentration, bright acidity and “chewy” tannins. A powerful wine that nevertheless retains complexity – has the structure to mature very well. Alc: 14.2%.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

Tempranillo 2022
Price: R375
Grapes from a vineyard planted in 2016. Matured in 225-litre barrels, some new American oak used. Red and black berries and floral perfume plus pleasing notes of vanilla and spice. Medium bodied with fruit to the fore, lemon-like acidity and fine tannins. Well balanced and rather charming.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Check out our South African wine ratings database.