"The Deen De Bortoli series continues to impress. If you like stickies, the Vat 5 botrytis semillon is outstanding value. It may not be Noble One, the company's internationally acknowledged sticky, but it's much closer in quality than it is in price, with apricots citrus the dominant flavours. If, like me, you restrict your intake of dessert or cheese, make sinning worthwhile by having a glass of this when you indulge."
Jeff Gordon, Melbourne Weekly - Eastern, 20 May 2008
"This wine's citrussy fruit and spicy, apricoty notes come from the "botrytis' - a fungus that attacks ripe grapes, concentrating the flavour and resulting in an intensely sweet wine."
Jamie Goode, Sunday Express Magazine, 28 October 2007
"De Bortoli's Deen Vat 5 Botrytis, a delicious lighter-style 'sticky' that's ideal with fruity desserts."
David Ellis, Daily News, 19 December 2007
86 points
"It’s like... Noble One Botrytis Semillon, just dialed back a notch, with less oak and concentration, but still boasting dried apricot and candied pineapple flavors that end with a hint of orange rind."
Joe Czerwinski, Wine Enthusiast (USA), 15 December 2007
"With sweet honey, apricot and marmalade flavours, yet finishing clean, the botrytis semillon can stand up to the sweetest of desserts and blue cheese."
Lyndey Milan, Australian Women's Weekly, December 2007
“A luscious sweetie from the Riverina featuring plenty of apricot, orange and peach flavours, laced with a hint of honey. Yummy.”
Paddy Kendler, Herald Sun, 20 November 2007
"This wine is citrussy fruit and spicy, apricotty notes come from the 'botrytis' - a fungus that attacks ripe grapes, concentrating the flavour and resulting in an intensely sweet wine."
Jamie Goode, Sunday Express, 28th October 2007
87 points
"The botrytis is not strong, but enough, especially at this price; preserved lemon/lemon slice, and gentle acidity."
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2008
"The best dessert wine in Australia under $15, rich,lush and ripe, with honey, apricot and peach flavours before a clean, fresh, sweet finish."
Peter Forrestal, Sunday Times, 12 August 2007
89 points 
" Possibly the best-value sticky in Australia. Some oak influence, and dried-fruit rather than heavy botrytis. This is sweet and complex, with some of the character of the more expensive versions, but is less luscious and firmer on the palate."
Huon Hooke, Australian Gourmet Traveller Wine, July 2007
"The Vat 5 botrytis semillon is a stunner of a sticky from the region that arguably produces the best dessert wines in Australia."
John Cook, Daily Liberal, 14 April 2007
"Normally you have to pay a lot more for a sticky with this sort of botrytis influence. Its there in the apricot and bergamot aromas, and there's plenty of richness and enough acidity to keep the sugar at bay. A good choice for most fruit-based desserts."
Greg Duncan Powell, Vogue Entertaining & Travel, 1 July 2007
"Complex nose. 'Barsac-like,' suggested one judge. Sweet and nutty in the mouth, with subtle oaky notes."
Winestate, March/April 2007
"This may not be in the same league as its famous stable mate, the Noble One, but for price it's a stand out sticky with lots of dried apricot and cumquat flavours and not overly sweet."
Dr Peter Hay, Australian Doctor magazine, 27 April 2007
Deen Vat 5 Botrytis Semillon 2005, January 1970
