De Trafford Elevation 393 is the flagship red wine from De Trafford Wines, sourced exclusively from their Mont Fleur vineyard, located at 393 meters above sea level between Stellenbosch and Helderberg in South Africa. This single-vineyard blend is primarily Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot, Syrah, and occasionally Cabernet Franc. The grapes are grown on deep red decomposed granite soils (Hutton soil), with low yields from densely planted vines to ensure exceptional concentration and quality.
The wine is hand-harvested and undergoes spontaneous fermentation with 12–15 days of skin contact before being matured for around 20–23 months in mostly new French oak barrels. It is unfined, unfiltered, and bottled by hand, reflecting a commitment to natural and precise winemaking.
De Trafford Wines was founded by wine industry veteran De Trafford Ross, who is known for his passion for terroir-driven wines and meticulous vineyard management. The estate focuses on expressing the unique characteristics of the Mont Fleur vineyard and the surrounding terroir, striving to produce wines with elegance, depth, and aging potential.
Elevation 393 shows intense aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry, plum, forest floor, spices like cinnamon and clove, cedar, and mocha. On the palate, it is rich and full-bodied with ripe, silky tannins, bright acidity, and a long, layered finish. This wine is approachable on release but will reward aging for 7–20 years.
