Modern, Post-War and Contemporary Art, Decorative Arts and Wine
Online-Only Auction, 22 - 29 March 2021
Wine: Cape Heritage
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
About this Item
Wedged between the Stellenbosch and Helderberg mountains, situated on the beautiful Mont Fleur farm, is the boutique De Trafford winery. The Trafford family purchased the land in 1976 and a small vineyard was in place by 1983.
Launched as early as 1995, at a time when high-end barrel fermented Chenin Blanc was almost unheard of, the Chenin is (like all the wines from this boutique property) hand picked and pressed in the famous basket press, fermented with natural yeasts, and bottled unfiltered.
The label depicts a painting by Rita Trafford entitled "The Small Things Count".
Critics Ratings
Natural ferment in barrel makes 2012 rich & textured, matching 2011. Ripe pear & apricot with creamy, lees breadth. Balanced & long. Serious yet fresh throughout.' - Platter's SA Wine Guide 2019, 4*, 95/100
'The 2012 Chenin Blanc, which comes from five parcels and sees a three-hour skin contact and 100% barrel-fermented (natural yeasts) has a sensual and rounded bouquet with touches of brioche, butterscotch, popcorn and almond. The palate is sweet on the honeyed entry with lemon curd, guava and coconut notes, touches of brioche and patisserie coming toward the well-defined finish. Irresistible.' - Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 90/100
'Straw-gold. Peach, honey, menthol, herbs and flowers on the complex nose and palate. Honeyed, thick and brisk, with penetrating, ripe acidity perfectly buffering the wine's sweetness. Finishes very long, smooth and surprisingly dry. Very rich and very well balanced chenin blanc, one of the best of my tastings this year.'- Stephen Tanzer, Vinous, 91/100 (May 2013)
'Ripe, with layered pear, green melon, green fig and green almond notes, framed with heather and salted butter hints. The long, lush finish shows some toast accents, and needs a touch more cellaring to settle in fully.' – James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 92/100 (May 2014)
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