de Trafford
Elevation 393 Red Blend
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, Western Cape, South Africa
This Stellenbosch Cabernet blend gets its name from being 393 metres above sea level. Deep Ruby in colour. Aromas of coal dust, liquorice, Tomato Bush, Capsicum and stalky green Notes. On the palate initial impressions were lacking in fruit. More austere than expected. Certainly very different to most Napa Valley Cabernets that I’ve had. Medium bodied. I bought this wine in 2012 at the cellar door and it was quite the trek to drive to de Trafford over many dirt roads. One of the 1001 wines.
This Stellenbosch Cabernet blend gets its name from being 393 metres above sea level. Deep Ruby in colour. Aromas of coal dust, liquorice, Tomato Bush, Capsicum and stalky green Notes. On the palate initial impressions were lacking in fruit. More austere than expected. Certainly very different to most Napa Valley Cabernets that I’ve had. Medium bodied. I bought this wine in 2012 at the cellar door and it was quite the trek to drive to de Trafford over many dirt roads. One of the 1001 wines.
Sep 25th, 2019
Good, but 80 bones wholesale? Yikes.
Good, but 80 bones wholesale? Yikes.
Jan 27th, 2016
Intense. Like conversation show stopper! This wine needs all your attention to figure out what is going on. Dark, aged, dry fruit, edgy tannins and black pepper spice… I think. So much going on. Needless to say. I loved it. We made the track again 11 years from the first time we drove up to De Trafford winery and vineyards. This time the road was paved, quite a change from the two track rutted dirt road we took 11 years ago bottoming out our little rental car. Had a great vineyard tour. They first and foremost believe that the wine is made in the vineyard and minimal processing thereafter. They had to deal with a huge wild fire earlier this winter and might have lost their 45 year old top award winning Shiraz vineyard …. Great people who know how to make a great wine.
Intense. Like conversation show stopper! This wine needs all your attention to figure out what is going on. Dark, aged, dry fruit, edgy tannins and black pepper spice… I think. So much going on. Needless to say. I loved it. We made the track again 11 years from the first time we drove up to De Trafford winery and vineyards. This time the road was paved, quite a change from the two track rutted dirt road we took 11 years ago bottoming out our little rental car. Had a great vineyard tour. They first and foremost believe that the wine is made in the vineyard and minimal processing thereafter. They had to deal with a huge wild fire earlier this winter and might have lost their 45 year old top award winning Shiraz vineyard …. Great people who know how to make a great wine.
Oct 16th, 2022
Black as pitch, bitter and savory, chicory and licorice. Not a fan.
Black as pitch, bitter and savory, chicory and licorice. Not a fan.
Nov 7th, 2016
Pretty ordinary. Very dark color. Cedar and bitter finish
Pretty ordinary. Very dark color. Cedar and bitter finish
Apr 3rd, 2020Two surprises today. Tammy announcing her final year as Meridian’s Mayor and .....an absolutely phenomenal wine to recognize this decision and milestone in her career. Deep dark complex tannins that lingered for ever. Dark mineral juice wrung from grapes from the Garden of Eden. They came together so smooth, so balanced. One of the absolute best! Hand delivered by Chris Dixon.
Two surprises today. Tammy announcing her final year as Meridian’s Mayor and .....an absolutely phenomenal wine to recognize this decision and milestone in her career. Deep dark complex tannins that lingered for ever. Dark mineral juice wrung from grapes from the Garden of Eden. They came together so smooth, so balanced. One of the absolute best! Hand delivered by Chris Dixon.
Feb 7th, 2019
2x06 in May 2x16. Dense and oily; great bouquet with dark fruits and plums, some eucalyptus, licorice, smokiness and dusty earth; medium round body, finishes with crushed dry fruits, a bit of extraction and hot weather. I would prefer even a smoother sailing but this one is a good one anyway.
2x06 in May 2x16. Dense and oily; great bouquet with dark fruits and plums, some eucalyptus, licorice, smokiness and dusty earth; medium round body, finishes with crushed dry fruits, a bit of extraction and hot weather. I would prefer even a smoother sailing but this one is a good one anyway.
May 5th, 2016My left ball exploded. Magnificent.
My left ball exploded. Magnificent.
Aug 14th, 2015
