The 2010 harvest (at Doolhof Wine Estate) provided the highest yield for many years, despite strong wind storms in October 2009, damaging leaves and shoots on some of the red varietals.  This impacted on the ripening programme.  However, there are signs that the 2010 harvest may approach the 2009 super vintage.

Doolhof experienced a high rainfall (64mm) between January and March that ensured good vineyards by counteracting the abnormally long heatwave we had.

Harvesting began on 1 February 2010 and excellent quality grapes were picked and pressed.  Most of the white varietals’ yields were up and we believe that they are noteworthy in terms of quality.

The Sauvignon Blanc grapes were picked before the heat of the day.  Four different Sauvignon Blanc tank wines were produced, each with different yeast, adding to the complexity of the final wine.  The best tanks with the best aromas will be blended to make the 2010 Signatures of Doolhof Sauvignon Blanc.

The Chardonnay was harvested between middle and end February.  Both tank and barrel fermented wines have been made.

The reds ripened quickly with Merlot, the first varietal picked.  It shows great potential, as does the Malbec that yielded more than twice the tonnage this year than last year.  Pinotage was also a large crop and exhibits typical varietal characteristics while the Shiraz promises to be an outstanding wine, although it was a small yield.

The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon will be the best ever made on Doolhof!  Small berries with dark purple colours and blackberry and cassis aromas are evident of excellence.  The same can be said about the Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.  Both these varietals were harvested at the end of the season (end of March) and will make rich, complex wines as varietals and/or for blending.

To conclude, the white varietal wines are excellent while the red varietal wines show good quality fruit and colour with intense aromas at this stage.