Doolhof The Theseus 2009

Doolhof is an intriguing wine estate nestled in a fertile and beautiful valley just outside Wellington, below the start of the Bain’s Kloof Pass.

The name Doolhof is Afrikaans for “Labyrinth”. According to Greek mythology Labyrinth was the name given for a large and elaborate structure created for King Minos of Crete, to secure the scary Minotaur (a supposed creature that was half man and half bull)! 

Labyrinths are designed to have only one entry and exit point and in spite of many pathways, only one single pathway to the centre. They have over the centuries being used for meditation as focusing on the path soothes the mind and calms the nerves. When seeing the farm, early settlers said the hills and valleys reminded them of a Labyrinth.

Although Doolhof has been in existence for three centuries, it was only in 1995 that vineyards were planted and the first bottling happened in 2001. The present owners acquired the property in 2003 and have since built a new winery and tasting facility.

They were also responsible for restoring the magnificent Manor House on Doolhof named Grand Dedale and which recently received the Country Comfort Award for Boutique Accommodation on a wine farm at the 2012 Klink! Wine Tourism Awards.

Doolhof The Theseus 2009

An invitation to taste the latest vintages from their premium range gave Doolhof the opportunity to launch their exclusive new addition, the Theseus 2009, which is a classic red Bordeaux Blend.

The wine is aptly named after the mythical founder-king of Athens and is in keeping with the Greek mythology theme of the Legends of the Labyrinth wine portfolio.

The 2009 Theseus is a beautifully complex and well-balanced wine made from Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc with a dash of Malbec and Petit Verdot, and coincides nicely with the 300th anniversary of Doolhof in 2012.

The wine was made by winemaker Friedrich Kühne who joined Doolhof  in 2008 who says that future releases will be reserved for exceptional vintages only.

“It is a privilege to be the custodian for such a beautiful piece of South Africa’s wine history, said owner Dennis Kerrison on the release of this magnificent wine.

“We are committed to harness the estate’s full potential to produce wines of excellence. Our most recent achievements reinforce our commitment and underline  the success we have had during the past years. We hope this new fine wine will truly reflect the Doolhof terroir.”

The wine offers aromas of black cherries and cassis which follows through to the palate. The palate continues to delight the senses with its juicy mid-palate flavours of dark fruits and well-integrated tannins.

The wine was aged for 24 months in 225 L French oak barrels. We enjoyed the wine with grilled chalmar beef fillet served with roasted garlic mashed potato, sautéed baby spinach and a wild mushroom and truffle sauce, beautifully prepared by the team at The Cape Grace Hotel.

The wine complemented the meal proving how accessible it is now with food. However the wine has the complexity to mature until 2020.

Expect to pay: R230.00