Jancis tastes Dombeya

by Angie Tieling

When it come to big names in the world of wine writing, they don’t come much bigger than Jancis Robinson. If you had to name the five leading names of wine criticism, then doubtless you would come up with her in there somewhere. A prolific writer and author of numerous books (including the Oxford Companion to Wine), she also has that marker of greatness in any field of endeavour- being known universally by her first name alone.

Jancis popped by to taste the Dombeya range in London last month at the Mega Tasting in Earls Court. Here are her reviews on the wines tasted,

Dombeya Sauvignon Blanc 2009 (Stellenbosch) 16.5
Drink 2009-10
Firm, mineral nose – tastes more like Sancerre than anything else, and is quite a bit cheaper than most Sancerres are at the moment. Already quite open with a beginning, middle and end.

Dombeya Samara 2005 (Stellenbosch) 16.5 Drink 2008-12
36,000 bottles of this blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 5% Malbec. Very dark and interesting. Already mellow and complete. A very slightly stern streak but it spreads across the palate admirably.

Dombeya Merlot 2007 (Stellenbosch) 16 Drink 2010-14
Sweet and pruney. Good freshness. Tight finish. Serious wine.14.5%


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