Daschbosch new releases

Questions of scale are constant in the debate around the future of the SA wine industry. For those who fear that we don’t have enough big producers consider that UniWine, the holding group behind Daschbosch, manages some 3 000ha of Breedekloof vineyard (other brands being Goudini, Meander and Palesa).

Anything to interest the wine geeks? Daschbosch winemaker Willem (WS) Visagie is extending the limits of what is usually expected from big operations like this. Tasting notes and ratings for the new releases as follows:

Daschbosch Avon Clairette Blanche 2022
Price: R350
Grapes from a 0.2ha vineyard planted in 1977 – yield has grown from 0.5 tonnes when the maiden 2018 was made to 4 tonnes now. Matured for nine months in older oak. Pear, peach and green apple plus hints of herbs and reduction on the nose while the palate is well balanced with good fruit weight, coated acidity and a savoury finish. Alcohol: 11.7%.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Daschbosch Mossiesdrift Steen 2022
Price: R220
Grapes from a vineyard planted in 1962. Lemon, yellow peach, hay and some leesy complexity on the nose. Dense fruit matched by a good line of acidity, some pithy texture to the finish. Well balanced with lots of detail and a nicely savoury finish, the most accomplished vintage of this wine yet. Alc: 13.78%.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Daschbosch Skin Contact 2021
R200
80% Chenin Blanc, 20% Muscat d’Alexandrie (Hanepoot). First made in 2019 on an experimental basis, production is now at 7 000 bottles. Fermented on skins and after three months, racked and bottled. Stone fruit, orange and potpourri as well as some nuttiness and earth on the nose. Slightly rustic on the palate with dense fruit, punchy acidity and a grippy finish. Alc: 12.91%.

CE’s rating: 89/100.

Daschbosch The Mill Cinsault 2022
Price: R220
Grapes from a vineyard planted in 1989 – qualifies for certified heritage status from the OVP next year. A touch of rubbery reduction before cherries, plums and earth on the nose. Plump fruit, bright acidity and nicely dry finish, although no tannic grip to speak of. Light-bodied at 12% alcohol and easily likeable. Alc: 12.1%

CE’s rating: 90/100.

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