Dear *|FNAME|*,

De Trafford has been a benchmark for modern South African red wine since the late ‘90s, when it became one of the leading Stellenbosch producers to achieve huge international acclaim. Three decades later, their wines are still among the most powerful, classic and long-ageing that South Africa has to offer. We are very excited about this small parcel of Platter's 5-star De Trafford Elevation 393 2015 and De Trafford Syrah 393 2019 – both released today.

De Trafford Syrah 393, referring to the vineyard’s altitude, put SA’s modern, full-bodied Shiraz on the international stage. Scarce and sought after, the recent fires mean that it will be even more limited in the future. This 95-point 2019 is a particularly elegant release, with bright fruit, savoury earth and meat spice, and dry, firm tannins.

From the celebrated 2015 vintage comes the excellent De Trafford Elevation 393 2015. A parcel and barrel selection of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah, their flagship wine is a unique expression of the Helderberg terroir. Its refined power and layered complexity will allow it to mature for decades to come. The 2015 shows wonderful tobacco and dried herbs and has a long, lingering finish.

Wedged between the Stellenbosch and Helderberg mountains, situated on the beautiful Mont Fleur farm, the boutique De Trafford winery was established in 1992 by architect David Trafford and his artist wife Rita.

Reply to this email or visit our website to place your order online.

Vinous regards,

Tasting notes

De Trafford, Syrah 393 2019

‘This is a more elegant and reined in version of this trailblazing SA Syrah. The early iterations were benchmark full-bodied, blue-fruited wines. Produced from the highest vineyards on the Helderberg farm, this is a composed, refined style with vibrant fruit and secondary deep earth and meat spice. It will need a couple of years to meld.’ – James Pietersen, 2022

‘Vibrant perfumed & floral aromas nod to Côte Rôtie in 2019, well-balanced, multi-layered mouthful of blackcurrant, mulberry, violet & black pepper. Silky tannins & lively acidity augur well for future (lengthy) development, notably in magnum.’ – Platter's Guide, 5* (95/100)

De Trafford, Elevation 393 2015

‘Powerful & structured cab-led 2015 with near-third each syrah & merlot. Firm, ripe tannins support damson, prune, leather, dried cranberry. Toasty vanilla oak, mostly new (20 months), lengthens finish, primes for long, fruitful development.’ – Platter’s Guide, 5*(95/100)

'Elevation 393 comes from a single parcel at the top of the Blaauwklippen Road and is a medley of Cabernet Sauvignon with 27% each of Merlot and Syrah. Ripe and textured with mint, fynbos and lavender aromas, cassis and blueberry fruit and fresh, supporting acidity. Ageing gracefully.’ – Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2021, 94/100

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