Winery & Vintage Info
The Rutherglen Estate Durif is grown on the De Bortoli Shelley’s vineyards on the eastern edge of the Rutherglen region. The site has an interesting gravel, clay and alluvial soil mix with different aspects which helps generate different flavour profiles.
2023 was a slightly cooler than average year without any extreme heat. Because of a very wet and stressful Spring it was a difficult growing season. Fortunately, post December the Summer became more normal. February and March dried out with ideal mild days which resulted in a fantastic year in Rutherglen for our red varieties. The season was three weeks later than average and we feel fortunate to have ended up with the wines we have in the cellar.
The grapes are selected from our best Durif blocks, before being partially crushed into red fermenters. The fruit is picked when the tannins are ripe and the grapes are still plump and fresh. Colour and tannin were extracted early in the fermentation when longer pump overs were used to ensure a softer extraction. The wine is fermented for 10 to 14 days on skins, to keep a bright and vibrant fruit profile. The wine is aged in a mix of French and American oak, including 10% new oak. This combination gives tightness and roundness on the palate whilst helping to soften the tannins. This wine is an expressive approachable Rutherglen Durif.
