De Bortoli Deen Vat 2 Sauvignon Blanc 2023 (Riverina, King & Yarra Valley)

Most of the fruit for the De Bortoli Deen Vat 2 Sauvignon Blanc 2023 vintage was sourced from select mature vineyards in the Riverina planted '79 and '89 which each year consistently produce aromatic and flavoursome Sauvignon Blanc. The remaining fruit is from the De Bortoli cooler climate vineyards in the King Valley, ideal climate for growing premium Sauvignon Blanc.

High rain fall during winter and at flowering lead to a high Downy Mildew disease period. This resulted in a reduction of the crop by 35%. A cooler than usual ripening period and no rain during spring and summer meant there was no more disease pressure and fruit was picked at optimum ripeness. This was the latest harvest on record beginning 4 weeks later than normal.

Winemaking techniques included fermentation at elevated temperatures and fermentation with solids. These techniques improve texture and softness without sacrificing varietal expression. Wine was left on yeast lees 'sur lie' for three months prior to blending. 18% of the blend was fermented in 20 Year Old French Oak barriques for extra complexity.