We pick the fruit for Hafen almost one month after we pick for the regular Estate Dornfelder and Charlotte's Reserve Dornfelder. This produces grapes with about 20% more sugar and even more intensity of flavor and color.

We start the fermentation as we would for the regular wines, but when this is at its peak and about two-thirds of the sugar has been consumed by the yeast, we stop the fermentation by adding 169-proof unaged grape brandy and by chilling the wine.

The result is a great dessert wine with an intriguing balance of fruit, sweetness, acidity and tannins. The Hafen label features a photograph of a wood carving of Bacchus by Norm.

“This is dessert in a glass! Incredible deep purple ink color with an aroma of caramel, it’s velvety and rich and sweet enough to satisfy your dessert craving all on its own. We did pair it with chocolate, biscotti and camembert, all of which worked, and we were dying to pour it over ice cream for something truly decadent (another day …).This port-like beauty was a fitting finale to our holiday tasting”
    Laura Lindsey and Diane Murphy for Edible Santa Barbara.