DISCOVER ONE OF SOUTH AFRICA’S BEST KEPT WINE SECRETS
My “wine knowledge” throughout my adult life
basically consisted out of two ratings; wow I like it may I have more, or yuck...
I’d rather not have any at all (less frequent occurrence.) So you
may ask yourselves why in the world I would subject myself to a category, on
this blog, that requires proficiency in this field. I expect my answer is twofold; firstly all
the experts seem to indicate that ultimately the choice rests with the consumers
taste. Secondly, I appreciate good
taste and when something is done in good taste or tastes good in Southern
Africa, I can assure you that Travel and Trade South Africa will be blogging
about it. Which brings us to De Trafford
Wine Estate in Stellenbosch, the drive to reach this place alone is worth the
price of admission. And after tasting
the three Sijnn wines - I am now enriched
with a third rating; I love this how many cases will fit in my car?
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| © Noleen Kutash |
Just in case my ratings don’t bowl you over here are
the expert’s ratings.
SIJNN
RATINGS
Sijnn 2007: 4 stars (First entry)
Sijnn 2008: 4
stars
Sijnn White 2009: 4 stars (First entry)
Sijnn Rosé 2009: 3½ stars
Sijnn 2007 : Wine of the week Dec 2010
Sijnn 2008 : Recently selected by Michael Fridjhon to
represent South Africa in the best red blend category
Sijnn
2007: 90 points
Sijnn White 2009: 89
points
Sijnn
2007: 91 points
Sijnn 2008: 90 points
Sijnn White 2009: 90 points
Sijnn
Touriga Nacional 2009: First
Sijnn wine on Auction and the
first Touriga Nacional on Auction. Received following ratings:
Christian Eedes 95 points
Stephen Tanzer 92 points
Wine Spectator 92 points
THE ORIGINS OF SIJNN
This is an exciting new vineyard venture on a
stony plateau between Malagas and Cape Infanta approx. 230km east of Cape Town.
Together with a few strategic partners, a small run-down ostrich and grain farm
was purchased early in 2004. The new and potential vineyards are located 60m to
70m above the Breede River, 25 km from the sea by boat and 15 km as the crow
flies. At this stage there are no other vineyards within a 40 km radius, the
closest being those inland around Swellendam and along the coast at Elim. The
complex stony soils, together with a warm dry climate (350mm) moderated by the
constant sea breezes offers excellent vineyard potential and the possibility of
producing something unique. As this is quite a pioneering venture, extensive
soil studies were undertaken and together with climatic data a variety of
proven Mediterranean or southern European varieties have been planted,
including Syrah, Mourvedre, Touriga Nacional, Cabernet Sauvignon and
Trincadeira together with future plantings of Grenache. Chenin Blanc and
Viognier have been planted for a white wine blend together with future plantings
of Roussanne.
On
9 February 2007 the first grapes were carefully picked and transported back to
Stellenbosch for vinification by the De Trafford team. De Trafford Winery is
situated on the beautiful Mont Fleur farm set at the top of a dramatic valley
above Stellenbosch, 380m up between the Stellenbosch and Helderberg mountains.
Production
has grown from 10 tons in 2007 to 30 tons in 2009. All the vines are grown as
bush vines with a max. expected yield of 3 to 4 tons / ha. The new wines were
matured in a mix of new and old 700L French oak barrels, bottled after 17
months and are already showing a unique and appealing character. Over the next two to three years they intend
to build a small, boutique winery on the property and develop another 4ha
vineyard and 1ha olives. This wine is also available in UK, Switzerland and the
US, for more info on this wine and some other exceptional De Trafford wines go
to.... http://detrafford.co.za/
Look forward to seeing you back here at Travel And Trade South Africa in the near future.. until then travel safe....
Look forward to seeing you back here at Travel And Trade South Africa in the near future.. until then travel safe....