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De Trafford Elevation 393 2005

R2,298.00

Region: Stellenbosch

Tasting note:

Attractive deep red colour. Smoky blackcurrant and spicy fruitcake aromas. Already well knit structure with dense tannins and rich, complex fruit. Lovely texture. Probably best between 2009 and 2020. Low sulphites – could qualify for an organic wine. Ideal with rich, roasted or grilled red meat dishes.

2 in stock.
As our stock is sold through our two retail outlets and online, stock levels are provided as a guide only and are liable to change.

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De Trafford Winery is situated on the beautiful Mont Fleur farm set at the top of a dramatic valley above Stellenbosch, 380m up between the Stellenbosch and Helderberg mountains. Growing of vineyards on this farm started with the purchase of the property in 1976 by former architect, David Trafford and his wife Rita, chef and artist, when it was still inaccessible grazing land. Many of the high altitude slopes were found suitable for high quality red grape varieties. Complex granitic based soils have an ideal clay content that allows good drainage and sufficient water retention at the same time.

Due to quota restrictions, the planting of a commercial vineyard had to wait 18 years. In 1983 a small vineyard was established to produce experimental wines – consumed by family and friends. 1984 to 1991 were learning curve years, which included lots of help and advice from local winemakers and working experience in France, particularly in the Bordeaux area. Today David and Rita live in the middle of the vineyard, close to the winery and watch closely over all aspects of their business.

In addition to grapes grown on Mont Fleur, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chenin Blanc grapes have been sourced from three other vineyards in the Helderberg and Stellenbosch Mountain area to produce grapes with highly concentrated, balanced flavour from naturally low yielding vines. Rows of vines are carefully chosen from the various vineyard blocks and monitored throughout the growing season to ensure the best possible quality fruit. Small-scale production means careful attention paid to every detail of the winemaking process.

This blended wine best reflects our magnificent vineyard site high up on the eastern slopes of the Helderberg mountain. Soil deep red decomposed granite – Hutton type. The vines are close planted ( 5000 to 7500 vines / ha.) The best barrels were selected for this reserve wine:

Cabernet Sauvignon 57%

11 yr old vines on 7 wire vertical trellis. Clones CS337; CS359; CS27: CS46A; CS1A; CS163 all on 101-14 rootstock. 4 tons/ha (24 hℓ/ha)

Merlot 29%

11 yr old vines on 7 wire vertical trellis. Clone MO181 on R99 rootstock. 5 tons/ha (36 hℓ/ha)

Shiraz 14%

10 yr old vines on 7 wire vertical trellis. Clones SH21A; SH1A; SH99 all on 101-14 rootstock. 4 tons/ha (24 /ha)