Wines beyond the norm
Dolbel Estate is unusual among Hawke's Bay wineries - our first priority is not red, but white wines.
Our vineyard has proven to produce exceptional Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Red wines such as Syrah and Merlot are only produced on one corner of the vineyard suited to those varieties.
We don't always follow the fashion of the day. In our winemaking, the potential of the terroir and the preferences of our team are the determining factors. Our aim is to produce single-vineyard wines of unique character - elegant and refined in style, with an intriguing and enjoyable twist.
Winemaker Tony Prichard's philosophy is to focus on texture and palate structure, not just on fruit. His preference is for the more French-like and complex styles that offer finesse and elegance, more than just fruit and oak.
"Winemaking is a blend of art and science," he says. "The best winemakers are all good wine chemists as well as having a good palate and understanding of wine style. You have to understand what's going on with the wine chemistry in order get the best out of the fruit."
He admits that, regardless of what any winemaker may say, wine is essentially made in the vineyard.
"Without superb fruit, you simply cannot make great wines. The winemaker's role is to direct the fruit towards a particular style, but quality comes from the vineyard."
Dolbel Estate Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2007
Description The wine displays a bright, fresh, pale straw colour. The bouquet presents a good balance of fruit and oak with some mineral hints. On the palate, the wine is fresh and vibrant, with oak providing background support and balance to the fruit. Partial malolactic fermentation has given the wine a good mouth-feel, but it still... > full tasting note
Dolbel Estate Merlot Cabernet 2007
Description The wine displays bright and vibrant colour which will develop slowly as it ages. There is a "French" element to the structure and texture of the wine, yet a definite Hawke's Bay signature to the flavour and aromatics. Over time, the wine is expected to develop more complex notes of licorice adn aniseed as the fruit begins to... > full tasting note
Dolbel Estate Methode Traditionnelle 2006
Our first release of Methode Traditionnelle from Dolbel Estate. Description In the glass, the wine displays lively and fresh fruit with obvious yeast characters. The palate is both elegant and rich with a persistent bead and long, clean finish. Winemaking A classic blend of Pinot Noir (50%) and Chardonnay (50%), this is a... > full tasting note
Dolbel Estate Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2008
Description With a colour of pale straw, the wine shows a balance of fruit and oak with hints of minerality on the nose. the palate of fresh vibrant fruit is supported and balanced by elegant French oak. Partial malolactic fermentation adds to the mouth-feel and flavour. This elegant, balanced wine has been made especially for drinking... > full tasting note
Dolbel Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Description This pale straw-coloured wine has notable Sauvignon Blanc characteristics – full on the nose and palate with a complexity of flavours gained from fermentation in oak barrels and lees contact. The complexity of flavours makes it both powerful and concentrated on the palate, leading to an extended finish and a rich crispness.... > full tasting note
