Cape Heritage and The Loire
Timed Online Auction, 1 - 12 August 2024
Cape Heritage - White Wines
About the SessionThe Cape Heritage White Wine Session features the noble variety, Chenin Blanc, known for its versatility and fruit intensity. South Africa has the oldest Chenin Blanc vines in the world and produces long-aging, diverse and fine wines.
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.
Launched as early as 1995, at a time when high-end barrel fermented Chenin Blanc was almost unheard of, the Chenin is (like all the wines from this boutique property) hand picked and pressed in the famous basket press, fermented with natural yeasts, and bottled unfiltered.
The label depicts a painting by Rita Trafford entitled "The Patterns of Ravens in my Sleep"
Provenance
Private Client
Critics Ratings
'Pine & straw aromas on 2015; poised, creamy, with zesty acidity lifting ripe quince, pear & fig. Judicious support by small portion new French oak.' - Platter's SA Wine Guide 2017, 4* (95/100)
'Made with purchased grapes from Firgrove and the neighbouring Keermont farm, this has been a De Trafford staple since 1996. It’s all about texture and layers of flavour rather than primary fruit. Leesy, honeyed and savoury, it has flavours of beeswax and fennel and zesty acidity. Drink: 2017-21' - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2016, 94/100
'What is striking about the nose of the Chenin Blanc 2015 from Stellenbosch producer De Trafford is a dried grass, almost thatch-like quality to go with citrus and white peach as well as a little spice. The palate is medium bodied and currently quite closed down. There is, however, a good core of fruit along with tangy acidity which suggests that a year or two of bottle maturation will pay dividends.' - Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 91/100 (Jun 2016)
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