HARVEST 2009
Despite the fires reported in our last newsletter, 2009 has turned out, now that the ash has settled, to be extremely promising. The harvest report supplied by Vinpro and SAWIS (South African Wine Information Service) confirms our initial perceptions as follows: “The outstanding quality of the 2009 harvest will ensure that it goes down in history as one of South Africa’s best”. Unlike the global economy, the mountain around our vineyard is now awash in green shoots after good autumn rains. On a lighter note we’ve had 3 visiting ZEBRAS in our vineyard recently, after breaking out of their enclosure near Sir Lowry’s Pass due to the fire.
LATEST RELEASES
The 2007 vintage followed a typical cold, wet winter, a normal growing season with enough rain and warm weather to produce good, balanced growth. The knife-edge harvest conditions with small heat waves alternating with short, wet, cold spells seemed to accentuate the spicy, mineral flavours. Described by one of our respected customers as a vintage “offering beguiling complexity and elegance combined with typical de Trafford power”.
Blueprint Shiraz 2007 Mostly from our neighbours Keermont vineyard and getting better and better every year. Already drinking well and showing a lot of character, but best in 2 to 3 years. (Wine Spectator scores: 2003 – 91; 2004 – 90; 2005 – 92; 2006 – 91).
Shiraz 2007 Mostly from our steep sloping, terraced Mont Fleur vineyard. Concentrated and finely structured – for the collector. ( 2005 & 2006 5 stars Platter)
Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Intensely Cabernet in character. Classic, quite austere and tightly structured with great ageing potential. (4½ stars Platter)
Elevation 393 2006 Showing off the best we can do with the plush, but nicely structured 2006 vintage. 50% Cabernet Sauvignon; 37% Merlot and 13% Shiraz. A selection of the best barrels from our Mont Fleur vineyard, 393 metres above sea level. Always released at least a year later, the wine still needs a few years maturation. The 2006 described in the Platter guide as “quiet and unassuming, but brimming with concentrated flavour, elegance and class.” (2005 – 94 Wine Spectator)
MALGAS
The first wines from our Malgas project near the mouth of the Breede River will soon be released in September 2009 – we will keep you informed.
NEXT RELEASES
The following should be available in November/December 2009:
Chenin Blanc 2009 – quite a few barrels still fermenting the last few bits of sugar, but looking really good. Waiting for Rita’s painting for the label!
Merlot 2007 – released later than the other reds as we still have some 2006 available.
Cabernet Franc 2008 – fined with fresh egg whites for earlier bottling to retain its natural zestiness.
Plan B 2008 – a selection of our worst barrels.
Straw Wine 2008 – lighter than usual, but fresh and delicious.
Please place orders as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
We look forward to your visit, phone call, fax or email:
Best regards
David, Rita and the de Trafford team. |
