Deen Vat 5 Botrytis Semillon (2006)

Bloody Good
"Much of what doesn’t end up in Australia’s best dessert wine. De Bortoli’s Noble One, ends up here. And the line between the two is narrow, even show judges have been known to prefer Deen to Noble One on occasions. It’s made to be drunk fresher and younger, so sometimes will look better than its more illustrious sibling. It’s a fantastic sticky and clearly shows what Quaff is all about: finding outstanding value at a fair price. This was included in last year’s edition of Quaff but has been retasted, and I’ve made new notes based on that tasting. Clearly, it has lost none of its freshness with time. It has fragrant apricot, peach and honey characters on the nose and palate, is rich, sweet and concentrated, with lush, velvety texture and crisp natural acidity that has it finishing dry and long. Delicious."

Peter Forrestal, Quaff 2010, October 2009

"Far from being a cloying sticky, this is a clean, juicy dessert wine with orange, marmalade and apricot flavours. Reflective of its Riverina origins, it's luscious but with lemon zest to keep it fresh."

Wine Selector, July 2009

"Slightly developed, aged, raisiny fruit with an interesting bacony note. Velvety mouthfeel, lively acid."

Winestate, Sweet and Fortified Tasting, June 2009

"Deep gold in colour, this dessert wine explodes out of the glass with aromas of ripe peaches and apricots, honey, and brown sugar. It coats the palate with sweet stone fruit, honey and crème brûlée flavours, and delivers a long finish. Spectacular on its own, it would be sweet enough to stand up to most fruity cheesecakes, pecan pie or crème brûlée."

Ben MacPhee-Sigurdson, Winnipeg Free Press (Canada), April 2009

"There's little difference quality-wise between the 2005 and 2006 vintages of this terrific, amazing-value-for-money botrytis semillon. It is lighter of body than the Noble One and less densely packed with fruit flavour. I don't find that a problem. I loved the Vat 5's finesse and lightness of touch, especially when it's accompanied by intense honey, apricot and lemon curd characters, excellent balance and clean, crisp finish."

Peter Forrestal, Quaff, January 2009

89 points
"Quite a strong raisin bouquet, hints of marmalade come through on the finish; very good value."

James Halliday, James Halliday’s Wine Companion 2009, January 2009

"Quite rich and sweet, showing citrus peel overtones together with some volatile lift."

Winewise, February 2008

"Gorgeous nose smelling of honeysuckle and orange blossom. Rich, sweet and tropical in the mouth, with a bright, zesty citrus finish."

Winestate, June 2006