Picked up a Silver at the 2015 Rutherglen wine show. Talking about stealing a prize from the locals: That’s like an Australian getting Silver at the Wellington Haka Show.  Winemaker is Robert Dalgado.

De Bortoli, Deen Vat Series No 1, Durif, Riverina 2014

90% oak maturation for 12 months. Inky nose with crushed purple flowers, gudang garam spice, blackberry, raspberry, tinned plum juice and cedary oak. Not a ball-tearer like most young Durif: this finds its feet early with restrained power and gobfulls of dark fruits and spice. Make no mistake, the tannins are plentiful and undeniable, but this comes with an added bonus of early drinkability to match char grilled anything. Another quality bargain release from De Borts.

RRP: $12.90

Alc: 13.5%

Wine sample courtesy of De Bortoli Wines