De Bortoli Deen Vat 1 Durif 2020 (Riverina, Heathcote)

The Riverina fruit for this wine was grown on one of the original Durif plantings by the late Deen De Bortoli on our estate vineyards at Nericon and Bilbul. The Heathcote fruit is sourced from a vineyard situated on the Eastern side of the Mt Camel range on deep, ancient Cambrian soil.

2020 will be regarded as one of the most eventful vintages on record with drought, fire, flood and then a pandemic. Fortunately the smoke did not impact on the fruit in the Riverina or Heathcote regions. A dry winter and early spring resulted in some restriction of growth and yield but which resulted in rich flavours in the Durif. February and March had average temperatures meaning the fruit was picked in good physical condition and ripeness levels.

The vineyard is frequently visited during the ripening season, monitoring the fruit for the desired rich flavours and ripe tannins to determine the optimum time to harvest the fruit. The fruit was de-stemed into our potters and fermented to dryness. Then gently pressed and settled. About 15% remains in stainless tanks un-oaked to retain lively fruit freshness whilst the remainder is matured in a combination of new and older American and French oak barrels for 12 months before blending and bottling.