De Bortoli Deen Masters Blend Shiraz Durif 2020

Winemaking Notes
Fruit was harvested in the cool of the morning to maximise fruit freshness and preserve the vibrant aromatics that define this multi-regional blend. Upon reception at the winery, the fruit from each variety of each region was kept separate and carefully destemmed into Potter fermenters, where the individual parcels underwent a cool ferment for a total period of 6 to 10 days, ensuring gentle extraction of colour, flavour, and tannin whilst maintaining the distinct character of each variety and region. Pressed off at dryness, the wine was then put into a selection of new and older American and French hogshead barrels for 12 months, adding layers of complexity and integrating the generous palate's abundance of dark fruits with structuring tannins and hints of dark chocolate. This is a multi-regional wine that captures the essence of each variety from the regions the fruit is sourced, with spicy Shiraz from Heathcote, rich Durif from Riverina, cool-climate Cabernet Sauvignon from the Yarra Valley, and a dash of Montepulciano making for a harmonious blend. The wine displays a dense dark red-black appearance, with blueberry fruits, dark chocolate, and hints of caramel aromas, whilst the palate showcases the careful winemaking approach that allows each variety to contribute its unique characteristics to the final blend.

Vintage Conditions
The 2020 vintage will be regarded as one of the most eventful vintages on record, with the lead-up to vintage remembered as one of the most stressful summer periods due to a dry winter and spring that set up a dangerous bushfire season. Fortunately, these fires did not affect the vineyards directly, and whilst the actual harvest period went without incident, the challenging conditions earlier in the season tested the resilience of both vines and viticulturists. February and March had average temperatures, meaning the fruit was picked in good physical condition and ripeness levels, allowing each variety from each region to express its true character. The spicy Shiraz from Heathcote benefited from the warm continental climate, developing the generous dark fruit character and structuring tannins that anchor the blend, whilst the rich Durif from Riverina contributed its characteristic density and dark chocolate notes. The cool-climate Cabernet Sauvignon from the Yarra Valley added elegance and structure, with the dash of Montepulciano providing an additional layer of complexity to this harmonious multi-regional blend. Despite the challenging start to the season, the 2020 vintage ultimately delivered fruit of excellent quality, with the cool morning harvests preserving the freshness and vibrant blueberry fruits that define this expertly crafted Masters Blend.