De Trafford | Cabernet Sauvignon | 2018
De Trafford | Cabernet Sauvignon | 2018
A wine that has existed in the De Trafford portfolio since inception in 1992, it defines structure, grip and concentration. Another outstanding vintage (following 2017) for the noble reds in Stellenbosch, De Trafford saw smaller berries in the 2018 vintage with cooler temperatures during harvest, resulting in brilliant flavour concentration and acidity in the grapes. Natural fermentation and minimal sulphur use (as is standard practice at De Trafford), matured for 22 months in French oak (35% new) and bottled unfiltered, this is a very low-intervention pure expression of Cabernet Sauvignon. 14.7% Alcohol.
Nose & Palate
Medium deep, youthful red colour. Bright red berry and dusty spice nose typical of the higher Helderberg slopes and some fynbos/herbaceous character. Intense, but fine and complex. Elegant, structured palate with plenty of red berry, spice and nuts. Long dry finish.
Pairing
The personal favourite of David Trafford, “Butterfly leg of lamb on the braai (bbq for the non-South Africans) with wild rosemary.”
Accolades
93 Points - Tim Atkin MW | 5 Stars (95 Points) - Platter’s SA Wine Guide
About the Winery
Great wines start with great vines. The hallmark of De Trafford is the effort spent growing ripe vines with a focus on yield, quality and sustainability, to produce truly outstanding wine.
Situated on the beautiful Mont Fleur farm, 380m up between the Stellenbosch and Helderberg mountains, the De Trafford winery was started in 1992 by former architect David Trafford and his wife Rita. After learning a great deal from local farmers in Stellenbosch and abroad in Bordeaux, David Trafford carefully chose varieties, clones and rootstocks to match the subtle soil and microclimate differences in the farm. Such careful attention to detail is carried through all facets of the growing and winemaking process at De Trafford - the result is seriously well structured and concentrated red wines which convey the personality and uniqueness of the mountain site.
