Provenance

Producer

Critics Ratings

2011

A selection of the best barrels from the steepest terraced section of the home vineyard, the 2011 vintage of the Syrah 393 scored a whopping 96 points In Wine Spectator Magazine, at the time the highest rating ever for any SA red wine.

'Gorgeous, with a layers of luxurious blackberry coulis, plum sauce and warmed fig notes, layered seamlessly with the polished structure. Dark ganache, melted black licorice and tar details provide a perfect backdrop. Everything flows beautifully through the finish, where a smouldering dark tea accent lingers alluringly. Best from 2016 through 2022.' - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator 2015, 96/100

'Powerful, refined & elegant 2011 has plum & blueberry abundance which grows in the mouth. Chalky tannic grip & turned earth, cocoa nuances. Concentration, depth & breadth from focused attention, unfined, unfiltered & hand bottled. Lingering dry, spicy finish.' - Platter's SA Wine Guide 2014, 4.5*

2012

‘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

2013

‘393 refers to the altitude of the vineyard on Dave Trafford’s property. This single parcel makes a rich, blockbuster wine that’s picked late and sees 40% new oak. Compact, dusty tannins and considerable concentration underpin dark plum, damson and blackberry flavours. Drink 2017-25.’ – Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2016, 94/100

‘Unfined/filtered, as all reds, 2013 similar deep & broad vein as 2012 (93 pts), 2011; layered & refined, it has violet & pepper nuances, satisfying now but crafted to improve decade or more.’ – Platter’s SA Wine Guide, 4.5*

‘Solidly built, with lots of dark plum, fig and blackberry compote flavors forming the core, enlivened by a streak of licorice snap and backed by sweet toasted vanilla accents and brambly grip on the finish. Densely packed but shows ample energy. Will cellar nicely.’ – James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 93/100 (Oct 2018)