Sijnn Red 2014

Sijnn Red 2014 is produced by Sijnn Wines, the pioneering estate established by renowned South African winemaker David Trafford and his wife Rita in the remote Malgas Ward near the Breede River mouth on the Cape South Coast. When Trafford discovered the area in the early 2000s, it had never been planted with vines before, making Sijnn one of the most adventurous vineyard projects in modern South African wine.

The estate’s vineyards lie on striking rolled river stones and shale soils, a unique terroir in the Cape that naturally limits vine vigour and encourages deep rooting. Combined with cooling maritime influences from the nearby Indian Ocean, these conditions allow grapes to ripen slowly while maintaining freshness and structure.

The blend for Sijnn Red reflects Trafford’s interest in Mediterranean varieties that thrive in warm climates. Grapes are hand-harvested, fermented in small batches and matured in French oak barrels for extended ageing before release. The result is a layered, savoury red blend that reflects both the rugged landscape of Malgas and a thoughtful, low-intervention winemaking philosophy.

Colour:
Deep garnet with a slightly evolved rim, showing both concentration and maturity.

Nose:
Complex aromas of dark plum, blackberry and black cherry lead the bouquet. These are layered with notes of fynbos, dried herbs, black pepper and subtle earthy spice.

Palate:
Full-bodied yet composed, with flavours of ripe black fruit, savoury spice and hints of olive tapenade. The tannins are firm but finely textured, while the blend of Mediterranean varieties gives the wine both richness and freshness.

Finish:
Long and savoury, with lingering dark fruit, spice and mineral notes reflecting the estate’s distinctive stone soils.