Wine Spectator’s latest Insider newsletter highlights a handful of top South African reds and whites. Though De Trafford often flies under the radar, the boutique winery plays a leading role in the report, receiving the most recommendations and the highest scores along with perennial favourite Cape Point Vineyards.

The Trafford family consistently produce some of South Africa’s best modern-style reds. With their slew of accolades and impressive track record for creating profound, long-ageing wines, James Molesworth of Wine Spectator concludes: ‘If a decade’s worth of reviews haven’t made it clear enough already: David Trafford makes some of the most distinctive, compelling wine in South Africa. And his Syrah is one of my favorites.’

On the white front, Wine Spectator seems to agree with Neal Martin that Cape Point Vineyards is the go-to address for top Sauvignon Blanc. Their serious Sauvignons are up there with the finest whites in the country, displaying focus, minerality, tension and depth. ‘The potential is mindblowing,’says winemaker Duncan Savage. ‘2012 was a cracker of a vintage and the wines are going to become fantastic over the next 5 years.’

As well as receiving 93 points from Wine Spectator, the Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2012 was one of Neal Martin’s favourite releases of 2013. Given the prices fetched for international Sauvignons of similar acclaim, Cape Point’s wines are not only world-class, they also offer superb value.

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Cape Point Vineyards Isliedh 2012
Alluring, with tangerine, persimmon, straw and brioche notes aligned with a creamy frame. The long stony finish shows hints of heather and ginger. Drink now through 2015. 93 points – James Molesworth

Cape Point Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2012
Shows lovely purity, with a beam of gooseberry and Meyer lemon pulsing along, backed by straw, white peach and salted butter notes. Long finish. Drink now through 2015. 92 points – James Molesworth

De Trafford Elevation 393 2008
Dark earth, roasted plum, singed cedar and coffee notes form the frame of this old-school Cabernet, with bay, tobacco, mulled currant, mint and steeped blackberry fruit at the core. The long finish lets the savory notes play out beautifully. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2018. 93 points – James Molesworth

De Trafford Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Loam, espresso and bittersweet cocoa notes lead the way here, with a dense core of steeped black currant and warm plum sauce flavors. The long, charcoal-lined finish has a plush feel, ending with a savory echo. Drink now through 2020. 94 points – James Molesworth

De Trafford Syrah 393 2010
Features a dark profile, with blackberry, steeped black currant and melted black licorice notes rolled together. Fruit cake, plum skin and bramble accents add grip on the finish. Though still rather backward, this is showing more guts than polish now, featuring loads of charcoal-infused structure. Should age wonderfully. Best from 2016 through 2022. 94 points – James Molesworth

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