De Bortoli Deen Vat 1 Durif 2022 (Riverina, Heathcote, Rutherglen)

Fruit was sourced from our estate grown fruit in the Riverina from the vineyard at Nericon that was established by the late Deen De Bortoli in the early 1980’s Durif plantings as one of the first in the region. The Heathcote fruit is sourced from a vineyard situated on the Eastern side of the Mt Camel range on deep, ancient Cambrian soil.

Following good rains during winter, good soil moisture along with warm spring days leading into the 2022 vintage allowed the vines to enjoy a good growing season with crops returning to an average size. Relatively mild summer temperatures enabled the fruit to retain a good acidity and freshness of flavour. Good yields and very good quality.

A great deal of time is spent in the vineyard during the ripening season monitoring and assessing the fruit for the desired rich flavours and ripe tannins to determine the optimum time to harvest the fruit. The fruit was de-stemmed into our Potters and fermented to dryness. Then gently pressed and settled. About 19% remains in stainless tank unoaked 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.

Ready for enjoyment on release, but this wine will continue to develop complexity and interest with good cellaring for next 5-10 years.