The De Trafford Elevation 393 2011 is a beautifully mature, high-altitude blend sourced from vineyards perched at 393 meters above sea level on the Helderberg. Combining Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Shiraz, this wine reflects both the power of the vintage and the elegance that comes with time in bottle.
In the glass, it shows a medium-deep red hue with slight sediment, opening with a beguiling bouquet of blackberries, sweet forest floor, and layered spice. As it evolves, classic notes of cigar box and earth emerge, adding complexity. On the palate, the wine is full, rich, and supple, with a satin-like texture and finely evolved tannins. The structure remains substantial yet softened with age, leading to a long, lingering finish with savory depth.
Now in a prime drinking window, this is a beautifully evolved wine that rewards patience and thoughtful pairing.
This wine pairs exceptionally well with mushroom risotto, slow-roasted beef, and earthy, savory dishes.
In the glass, it shows a medium-deep red hue with slight sediment, opening with a beguiling bouquet of blackberries, sweet forest floor, and layered spice. As it evolves, classic notes of cigar box and earth emerge, adding complexity. On the palate, the wine is full, rich, and supple, with a satin-like texture and finely evolved tannins. The structure remains substantial yet softened with age, leading to a long, lingering finish with savory depth.
Now in a prime drinking window, this is a beautifully evolved wine that rewards patience and thoughtful pairing.
This wine pairs exceptionally well with mushroom risotto, slow-roasted beef, and earthy, savory dishes.
The grapes were hand harvested into small lug boxes, then fully destemmed and gently crushed into open-top fermenters. Fermentation occurred using natural yeasts, with temperatures reaching 29–31°C, and the wine remained on skins for 12–15 days with regular pigeage (1–4 times daily) for extraction.
Following fermentation, the wine was basket pressed and transferred directly to barrel, where it underwent maturation for 22 months in predominantly new French oak. Blending took place after 9 months, with multiple rackings to clarify and refine the wine over time, resulting in a polished and age-worthy final blend.
Winemaker: David Trafford
Following fermentation, the wine was basket pressed and transferred directly to barrel, where it underwent maturation for 22 months in predominantly new French oak. Blending took place after 9 months, with multiple rackings to clarify and refine the wine over time, resulting in a polished and age-worthy final blend.
Winemaker: David Trafford
Set high on the slopes of the Helderberg above Stellenbosch, De Trafford Winery is one of South Africa’s most respected small, family-owned estates. Founded by winemaker David Trafford, the winery is known for its hands-on, low-intervention approach and commitment to expressing site and vintage with precision. Working with carefully selected high-altitude vineyards, De Trafford produces wines of structure, depth, and longevity, crafted in a style that favors balance over excess. Each release reflects a thoughtful, artisanal philosophy — quietly confident wines that reward both attention and time in the cellar.
