2008 De Bortoli 'Deen Vat 1' Durif

2008 De Bortoli 'Deen Vat 1' Durif  

The 2007 vintage of this did well in Quaff 2010. The next harvest has produced another bloody good, though quite different, wine. The 2007 has heaps of powerful flavour with a juicy succulence that was particularly appealing. The 2008 is a great value for money red. I suspect, however, that it may not be to everyone's liking, at least, at present. It's a huge robust red with powerful concentrated flavours and lavish vanillin oak that is almost coconutty. So if you like the style (as my wife, Elaine, does), you'll love this. I think it needs a bit of time for the oak to be less dominant. Still there's plenty of positives: spicy ripe, red berry, brambly flavours and an attractive fleshiness that make the wine approachable. And great value.

Rating: Bloody Good

Cost: $ 12.90

Wide availability in all Australian states. www.deenvatseries.com.au

Reviewed: 22 Feb 2010