Haskell Cellarmaster Rianie Strydom
Lots of room
in the wine cellar, as there was a very long table
We began
tweeting, but were a bit hampered being underground and the WiFi connection was weak
Grant Dodd, a
partner in Haskell wines, tells us about the farm and the wines we are about to
taste
Aeon is one of
their three Shirazes. We tasted the 2011 and it is elegant and complex with deep
layers of soft sweet fruit with a good dollop of spice and vanilla. Lots of mulberries, cherries and a little rhubarb leave lingering flavours
with a little chalky tannin.
Grant Dodd answers questions about the wines
Rianie explaining
what she wants to achieve with these wines. The Chardonnay is kept on the lees
while it remains in the Burgundy barrels to get the maximum amount of flavour
and maturity. She prevents malolactic fermentation where possible.
We have a
lively debate with James Pietersen, Christian Eedes and Anel Grobler
Lots of aromas
to appreciate
Rianie with viticulturalist
Wikus Pretorius
Taking wine
seriously during the tasting
James Pietersen
looking contemplative
Media gals:
Anel Grobler, Karen Glanfield
Pawley and Shante Hutton
Some labels
worth having and wines to admire
A mural
shows a winter view of the vineyards
We go upstairs
for some lunch. Kim Maxwell, Karen Glanfield Pawley and Mike Bampfield Duggan
with plates at the ready.
Smile!
The menu
The wines with
lunch
The delicious
Mauritian fish curry went amazingly well with the Chardonnays
It was a very
good spread
Something for
everyone, even those on a diet, and all went so well with the wines
Shall we try
some of this?
Tasha Thomas, Preston Haskell’s
House Manager, supervising the food in the kitchen
Lunch in front
of the fire
Haskell’s labels
are very simple, but very direct, and stand out well on a shelf
The beautiful view
from the house, which is high up in Fresnaye. Even on a day with wild storms
sweeping in from the North West
Other guests
having a relaxing chat in the lounge
Ancient doors
guard the wine cellar
Alan Mullins
in deep discussion with Mark Norrish - of course they are talking about wine.
Richard, Alan’s aide is in the background
Nicolette
Waterford saying goodbye to Alan. What a nice tasting this was
