Deen Vat 1 Durif 2021

Deep crimson with vibrant purple hues. A flavoursome wine with Blood plum, hints of liquorice and dark chocolate notes. The palate is rich and fleshy with an abundance of blue fruits, generous tannins and supported by well integrated oak.

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. And again the Durif from Rutherglen is estate grown on the rich clay and alluvial soils.

Following good rains during winter, good soil moisture along with warm spring days leading into the 2021 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 destemmed 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.

About 15% of the wine remains in stainless tanks 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.

A rich wine deserves a rich dish to accompany such as Beef Wellington, roast Lamb or a hearty stew. Or savour a glass with a range of full flavoured mature cheeses such Blue and Goats cheeses at the end of the meal.