90 Points - Gilbert et Gaillard. Dornier is a family-owned winery situated in The Golden Triangle area of the upper Blaauwklippen Valley Stellenbosch. The primary focus at Dornier lies in the production of premium quality wines with minimal intervention which are expressive to the unique terroir. Donatus Red is a classical Bordeaux blend from 5 vineyards on the slopes of the Stellenbosch Mountain. Bursting with flavours of blackcurrant and liquorice. The palate is refined and elegant with silky tannins. On the palate, flavours of blackberry and cassis are abundant, with hints of dark cherry and a touch of cedar. 

Vivino Rating: 4.1 (Mar 2025)

Wine Press Ratings

90 Points - Gilbert et Gaillard (2019 Vintage)

"Tomato leaf and leather on the spicy nose. Palate is matured and layered with mint, leather and cigar following the nose. Cranberry and rhubarb tartness on the aftertaste. Developed, but still youthful."

Tasting Note

The nose bursts with blackcurrant and liquorice, while the refined palate offers silky tannins and abundant blackberry, cassis, dark cherry, and cedar wood. Donatus 2019, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, comes from five vineyards on Stellenbosch Mountain’s decomposed granite and clay soils. The cooling clay slows ripening, enhancing flavour concentration. 2019 was a standout vintage at Dornier, producing impeccably balanced vineyards with small, intensely flavoured berries.

Blend

Cabernet Sauvignon 59.5% / Petit Verdot 11.5% / Malbec 11.5% / Cabernet Franc 6% / Merlot 11.5%

About the Producer

Dornier, a family-owned winery in Stellenbosch's Golden Triangle, crafts premium wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Upper Blaauwklippen Valley. Balancing tradition and innovation, Dornier focuses on minimal intervention to showcase the elegance of noble grape varieties. The estate spans four historic farms, including Stellenrust, home to a Sir Herbert Baker-designed homestead and one of Stellenbosch's oldest wine cellars from the late 1600s.