South African & International Fine Wine
Live Auction, 14 September 2019
Session Two
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
About this Item
Wedged between the Stellenbosch and Helderberg mountains, situated on the beautiful Mont Fleur farm, is the boutique De Trafford winery. The Trafford family purchased the land in 1976 and a small vineyard was in place by 1983.
Known for their powerful reds with graceful ageing properties, the iconic 393 Syrah is a selection of the best barrels with half coming from their steepest terraced section (planted in 2003) known as the Tip Top Mount Fleur. Only 480 cases (1 x 6) produced.
Provenance
Wine Cellar
Critics Ratings
‘Ripe and fleshy, with tasty layers of fig, boysenberry and blackberry pâte de fruit pumping through, while a brambly but well-integrated structure drives the finish. The ample heft is balanced by terrific energy. A mouthwatering tobacco note weaves throughout, while dark ganache and loam details help drive the finish. Drink now through 2024. 56 cases imported.’ – Wine Spectator (August 2016), 94/100
‘Dave Trafford’s top Syrah comes from a single vineyard on his own property and is produced in small quantities. Unfined, unfiltered and super concentrated, it’s a tarry, dense, blackfruited number that nods towards Australia rather than the northern Rhône. Drink: 2015-22’ = Tim Atkin SA Wine Report 2015, 94/100
‘Unfined & unfiltered, as with all the reds, 12 is deep & broad, as was 11 but somewhat softer & rounder with intense black fruit & pepper notes. Oak (22 months, 50% new French) not apparent. Restrained & elegant.’ – Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2015, 4.5*
‘The 2012 Syrah 393 is de-stemmed and crushed gently, undergoing malolactic fermentation in the barrel. It has a tightly wound, mint-fresh, more floral bouquet compared directly to the 2012 Blueprint Syrah. The palate is well balanced with slightly lighter and more tensile tannin structure, brisk and lively with moderate depth. It offers vibrant black fruit towards the finish and a lingering balsam aftertaste, completing a well-crafted Syrah that should give 8-10 years of pleasure.’ – Neal Martin, Wine Advocate (April 2017), 91/100