Haskell Vineyards
Dombeya is a small tree indigenous to South, Central and Eastern Africa.
After buying over the vineyard, Dombeya became a second label to Haskell Vineyards. Made under the expertise of Rianie Strydom who engineered the wines at Morgenhof Estate (owned by the owners of Cointreau), there is none of the burned rubber smell in any of these wines.
Decanter issued an article on June 17, 2008 on this topic.
http://www.decanter.com/news/258917.html
While making wines at Morgenhof Estate, the Morgenhof Chenin Blanc 2001 was one of two South African wines, winning in the 2001 Vinexpo Fair in Bordeaux.
Discussing the expansion of the Dombeya range of wine, the winery is in the midst of implementing a Pinotage in their range, Grant finds Pinotage too smoky, I am not a big fan of Pinotage but converted after tasting Stellenzicht's Pinotage - a Pinotage with roasted coffee, caramel and toffee.
Another grape suggested was the Chenin Blanc, savvy consumers will identify Pinotage and Chenin Blanc as the two grapes identifiable with South Africa.
Shiraz and Merlots are amongst some of the recent and better wines coming out from South Africa.
An interesting competition from Haskell was this; any and every drinker of Dombeya Wines who snapped a picture of him/her self drinking Dombeya, in a very interesting place, stands to win 10 cases of Dombeya Wines.
A range of international pictures can be seen on this link: http://www.haskellwines.co.za/around_world.htm
Probably the most interesting photo is of this gent posing with Dombeya in the Ice Hotel - Jukkasjarvi, Sweden.
Pictures of the team tasting Dombeya wines with Grant has been submitted to Haskell Vineyards, cross your fingers, folks!
A tasting of three Dombeya wines:
(tasted as follows)
Chardonnay 2006
One of the best recent Chardonnays so far, straight notes of pineapple, tropical fruits just penetrate the olfactory senses. The invigorating lemon/lime acidity underlies the fruits, evident on the palate.
Gold Medal, Swiss Air International Wine Awards, 2008
Samara 2005 (Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot & Malbec)
Unmistakable Bordeaux nose in this Bordeaux blend (I am feeling silly as I type), a little tight and young still, this wine opens up through swirling. Nice red fruits push through with a slight feel of tannins.
nTop 10 Bordeaux blends in South Africa, 2008 Calyon Trophy
Shiraz 2005
Nice sweet, black fruit, nose, no pepper. After last week's tasting of Wills Domain Shiraz - smooth, velvet and lush in its flavour, no pepper, I am starting to get a liking this sort of Shiraz.
nDouble Gold Medal, Veritas Awards - only five double-gold awards for Shiraz in South Africa.
June 16, 2008
UE Square
First stop after leaving the hotel, we headed to the nearest shop, UE Square.
UE Square has always been our wine library since opening. With a large expanse of space and display, Grant spent 45 minutes browsing.
Abby was lucky to be the first one of the day tasting the Dombeya wines.
Her fav was the Samara 2005.
Shaw Tower
Melvyn couldn't choose his favourite, all were good.
Far East Square
Jefferson and Kristina relishing Dombeya.
Jefferson and Kristina relishing Dombeya.
Icon
Andrea and Vincent displaying their picks.
Andrea and Vincent displaying their picks.
Balmoral Plaza
Xintong likes whites.
Cluny Park
Nicolas enjoys.
Nicolas enjoys.
6th Avenue
After careful deliberation ...
Rhea chooses the Samara.
Rail Mall
We interrupted the ladies in the midst of an inventory session.
Grant walks them through a presentation of Dumbeya wines.
We interrupted the ladies in the midst of an inventory session.
Grant walks them through a presentation of Dumbeya wines.
In the midst of the tasting session, we meet the birthday girl celebrating at Rail Mall.
Sara, Christine and Grant wishing ...
Happy Birthday, Rosie!
She liked the Chardonnay and Samara, which were her choices of a white/red birthday tipple.
June 17, 2008
Tasting at UE Square
We featured the presentation on our new projector and screen.
Thanks for the tasting session, Grant.
Cheers, you soon.
Cheers, you soon.
