GG_N53_FRA_Complet-web_V2

DE TRAFFORD SITS AT 380M
ELEVATION, NESTLED BETWEEN
THE STELLENBOSCH AND
HELDERBERG MOUNTAINS, AT
THE END OF BLAAUWKLIP ROAD,
BRIDGING STELLENBOSCH AND
SOMERSET WEST
METICULOUS CANOPY
MANAGEMENT IS CRUCIAL
FOR CABERNET SAUVIGNON, A
VIGOROUS VARIETY, TO ACHIEVE
THE IDEAL DAPPLED SUNLIGHT
ON GRAPE BUNCHES WHILE
PREVENTING EXCESSIVE GROWTH
trend, stringent regulatory constraints tend to inhibit creative expressions, providing discernible
advantages to Cabernet powerhouses in regions such as Stellenbosch and Napa.
David Trafford, a member of the Cape Winemakers Guild who crafts his Cabernet magic on the eastern
slopes of the Helderberg Mountain, attributes the region’s success to ancient soils, particularly the
iron-rich clay component that imparts mid-palate flesh and a perfect balance of power and elegance.
“Stellenbosch Cabernet gracefully straddles the line between the Old and New World, offering a
Bordelais-like structure, a little riper fruit notes, juicy ripe tannins, and good but hidden acidity.
Instead of the gravelly seashell aspects of the Medoc, Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon has this
distinctive herbal, fynbos quality.”
The pursuit of quality drives winemakers like Trafford, who, with an architectural background,
prioritizes content over style.
“Style should result from your context and your interpretation thereof. After a few years of working
with a vineyard, you realize that a style is emerging, and wines are rated with quality in mind and
the fashion of style. It is difficult to remain content-focused and not become style-distracted.”
THE TERROIR OF STELLENBOSCH:
A KEY INGREDIENT IN CABERNET SAUVIGNON’S SUCCESS
Trafford adds that one of the critical factors in producing outstanding Stellenbosch Cabernet is
harnessing the abundant South African sunshine while avoiding overly jammy flavours during the
grapes’ long ripening period.
46 AUTUMN 2023 • GILBERT & GAILLARD - THE FRENCH EXPERTS ON WINE