De Trafford | Syrah 393 | 2014
De Trafford | Syrah 393 | 2014
A single vineyard Syrah from the steepest slopes of the Mont Fleur farm at an elevation of 393m that still holds the record for the highest rated South African wine in Wine Spectator. For us this wine epitomises the passion of David Trafford. Just reading through the complicated selection of Syrah clones and rootstocks he chose to plant (some of which have been sourced from Hermitage and Côte-Rôtie) on the subtly different soils to grow the grapes for this wine perfectly show the soulful dedication David has for his vines and his wines. Naturally fermented after gentle crushing (5% whole bunches), 21 months in fine grained, slow toasted small French oak barrels (40% new), unfined, unfiltered. 15.8% Alcohol. Drinking perfectly now.
Nose & Palate
Deep red, brooding colour. Intense rich berry fruit with some leather and spice on the nose. Big palate of concetranted fruit and spice, with a little white pepper and savoury herbs. Intense fine grained tannins on the palate and a chalky dry finish.
Pairing
Ideal with oxtail stew or venison casserole.
Accolades
95 Points - Tim Atkin MW
4.5 Stars - Platter’s SA Wine Guide
About the Winery
Great wines start with great vines. The hallmark of De Trafford is the effort spent growing ripe vines with a focus on yield, quality and sustainability, to produce truly outstanding wine.
Situated on the beautiful Mont Fleur farm, 380m up between the Stellenbosch and Helderberg mountains, the De Trafford winery was started in 1992 by former architect David Trafford and his wife Rita. After learning a great deal from local farmers in Stellenbosch and abroad in Bordeaux, David Trafford carefully chose varieties, clones and rootstocks to match the subtle soil and microclimate differences in the farm. Such careful attention to detail is carried through all facets of the growing and winemaking process at De Trafford - the result is seriously well structured and concentrated red wines which convey the personality and uniqueness of the mountain site.
