Rhône Theme
Timed Online Auction, 2 - 12 February 2024
Rhône | International & South African offering
About the SessionThe first sale of the 2024 Strauss & Co Fine Wine Auction calendar is an exciting Rhône valley and Rhône-style offering and has fast-become one of the most popular at Strauss & Co Fine Wine Auctions.
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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.
Winemaker’s Personal Tasting Note: 'Deep, dark red colour. Big, rich blue / blackberry nose with dark tobacco leaf and roasted cedar hints. Great intensity and complexity a little hidden with the new oak. Needs decanting and time in the glass for flavours to unfold. Palate quite tannic in an almost Cabernet like way with big, mouthfilling tannins. Slightly sweet fruit comes out as the wine opens up. Drink 2015 to 2022.'
A single barrel from our new “Tip Top Mont Fleur” vineyard planted in 2003 immediately above the existing Shiraz vineyard. Clone 470 (sourced from Cote Rotie) on 101-14 rootstock. 5000 vines / hect. High altitude (393m) Helderberg mountain NW facing slope. Steeply sloping terraced site with rocky, granitic based Hutton soil.
Provenance
Wine Cellar Private Client
Critics Ratings
'Cocoa smoky whiffs on big & bold 2009 auction offering. Sweet plum & spice handle high alc (15.6%) well, as does the toned oak, 50% new. Intense, as most of their wines are, it’s succulent & eminently drinkable but will cellar beautifully.' - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2013, 4.5*
‘Bright, saturated ruby-red. Aromas of cassis, licorice and sweet oak lifted by a violet topnote; I might have guessed cabernet. A thick, pliant fruit bomb in the mouth, with harmonious acidity enlivening the flavors of cassis, blackberry, violet and spices. Finishes firmly tannic and long, with a smoky nuance and lovely floral lift. Tightened up with air, showing more obvious structure. This should evolve slowly.’ – Stephen Tanzer, Vinous, 91+/100 (Sep 2012)
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