SWIMMING IN SHIRAZ
The newly harvested shiraz and viognier grapes are cozy simmering together at the family business Henschke  in Eden Valley founded in 1868. Guest Winemaker David, from Canada is teetering on the concrete edges to stir the wonderful pink, bubbling mix a few times a day. Has he ever fallen in, I would like to know. It is one of my ultimate fantasies swimming in wine. "Yes, once. Well, that happens every winemaker once." And what do you do then? David: "You climb out and take a shower."

After an extensive interview with viticulturist Prue Henschke, who with husband Steven took over the company of his parents in the seventies, it's time for the Henschke tasting. I like the white wines: fruity pinot gris and riesling with citrus. But I am really excited for the reds. The Tappa Bass 2005 - 100% shiraz - is so dark you cannot even see through. I smell bay leaves, taste chocolate, cinnamon ... you could almost take a bite, that full bodied is the wine!

Not all wines in the tasting room are opened. But for this special guest from the Netherlands the Cyril Henschke gets on the table, a blend of cabernet sauvignon and a little merlot, to commemorate the father of Steven. So happy was not too modest: what a wonderful, slightly spicy, with eucalyptus and cinnamon scented, but elegant wine. The couple next to me, on honeymoon in the wine region, is delighted with the special treatment and brings a toast to me.

This product was made in March 2009 by Trouw Journalist Remke de Lange. For more wine articles: http://www.remkedelange.nl. This article is copyrighted