The Deen Series honours the late Deen De Bortoli whose outstanding character and refreshingly down to earth qualities are reflected in the wines that bear his name. The wines are highly regarded by consumers and wine writers alike for their honesty and value. As wine writer for the Northern Star in Lismore, Terry Beltrame wrote in May 2003: "Adopting a clever approach in a mix of regional and blended styles, the 'Deen' label possibly best represents what the family has achieved utilising fruit from NSW, Victoria and SA. At a ridiculous price, the entire line up is extraordinarily good, offering balance, exceptional palate weight, precise varietal definition and softness."

Deen Vat Series Press Reviews

"I've come across a range of wines which deserve a mention, mainly because in my opinion it is the best value around. It all started with one Deen De Bortoli who, years ago, launched the Deen Vat Series.

This came about because he personally would select the blends and chalk the relevant numbers on the vats so as to identify them. The tradition may have changed slightly, and the one who selects and chalks may not be Deen, but whoever it is, the end result is brilliant. The Deen Vat Series is the best value around...

The range includes the more traditional varieties such as Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, through to some of the emerging wines likes Durif, Petit Verdot and Verdelho. The latter three are well suited to Australia's sunny climate."
John Crook, 'A Day in the Life of Oz', a daily radio series. www.thetravelman.net

Deen Vat 5 Botrytis Semillon 2006

"There's little difference quality-wise between the 2006 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 2009

89 points
“Quite a strong raisin bouquet; hints of marmalade come through on the finish; very good value.”
James Halliday’s Wine Companion 2009


"Gorgeous nose smelling of honeysuckle and orange blossom. Rich, sweet and tropical in the mouth, with a bright, zesty citrus finish."
Winestate, 1 June 2006

"Quite rich and sweet, showing citrus peel overtones together with some volatile lift."
Winewise, February 2008


Deen Vat 5 Botrytis Semillon 2005

"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

To top

Deen Vat 9 Cabernet Sauvignon 2006

87 points
“The 2006 Vat 9 features cassis and black currant aromas and flavors.
It has a bit more complexity and length than Vat 8.”
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate (USA), 11 September 2008

87 points
“Has more depth and weight than many at or near this price point; blackcurrant and fine tannins are varietal.”
James Halliday’s Wine Companion 2009

"The very appealing, open nose shows clear-cut varietal fruit. The palate is soft and marginally sweet, offering very pleasant drinking."
Winewise, February 2008

90 points
"There's no mistaking that this wine is made entirely from Coonawarra fruit. Its red berry and capsicum flavours parade its regionality on its sleeve. With integrated tannins and a soft finish, it's drinking beautifully now. Loads of cabernet bang for not many bucks."
Tyson Stelzer, WBM100, October 2007


Deen Vat 9 Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

90 points
"You want rich without paying, an arm and a leg? This dishes up complex clove, blackberry, vanilla bean, chocolate and black raspberry aromas and flavours. The finish surges ahead with chocolate, cedar and rich black cherry. This is absolutely delicious and a perfect choice for that upscale weekend dinner with best friends."
Gord Stimmell, www.thestar.com(Canada), October 2008

"Spice, mint and ripe dark berry aromas segue to a rich and robust burst of sweet fruit  flavours - predominantly dark ripe cherry and friary berry. There's a generous ladle of moderating zest and perceptible tannins. The finish is quite dry and will benefit from a three-hour aeration/decant. This is good value wine to start or augment a cellar."
Vic Harradine, Vines Magazine, September/October 2008


"Spice, mint and ripe dark berry aromas segue to a rich and robust burst of sweet fruit flavours predominantly dark ripe cherry and briary berry. There's a generous ladle of moderating zest and perceptible tannins (good drinking 2010 to 2015). The finish is quite dry and will benefit from a three-hour aeration/decant. This is good value wine to start or augment a cellar."
Victor Harradine, Wine Current, 24 May 2008

To top

Deen Vat 7 Chardonnay 2007

87 points
“The 2007 Chardonnay Vat 7 was raised in equal proportions of seasoned oak and stainless steel with some lees stirring. Medium straw-colored, the nose exhibits white peach, apple, and citrus. Made in the friendly style popularized by Kendall-Jackson, the wine has a smooth texture and a fruity finish. Drink it over the next 1-2 years."
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate (USA), 11 September 2008

"Ripe peach aromas on the nose and attractive stone fruit flavours on the palate. A well balanced wine with good acidity."
Tim Atkin, Guardian (UK), 15 September 2008


"A very complex wine, all toasty and honeyed, with lovely tropical fruits threaded through. Great fleshy varietal expression, clarity of structure and toasty secondary characters."
Winestate, River Regions and Riverina Tasting, September/October 2008

87 points
“Pleasant melon and peach fruit with subliminal oak; good balance, and even better value.”
James Halliday’s Wine Companion 2009

86 points
"This medium-bodied Chardonnay boasts a fair degree of complexity for its modest tariff: slightly toasty, nutty aromas lead into flavors of hazelnut, ripe peach and citrus. A solid effort."
Joe Czerwinski, Wine Enthusiast, June 2008

"Rich, bright aromas of toasty cashews and melon fruit. Soft, round palate with mouthfilling oak and citrus flavours edged with spice."
The Wine & Spirit Insider, Winestate, Special Edition 2007

90 points
"Too often it's all about fruit at the shallow end of the Chardonnay pool. De Bortoli pushes the boat out to hitherto uncharted territory at this price, with a wine built on texture and leesy complexity instead of overt fruit. With a fresh, lively finish and lingering lemon flavours, it's brilliant value."
Tyson Stelzer, WBM100, October 2007


Deen Vat 7 Chardonnay 2006

89 points
"A captivating wine... Charming hazelnut, toast and peach aromas, much more than your usual simplistic fare. Crisp acidity, tight and dry to close. Modest length but not sweet like many of its kind."
Huon Hooke, Sydney Morning Herald, 21 August 2007

"Lifted nose of peach and melons. Oak adds complexity."
New Releases, National Liquor News, July 2007

"Smoky oak dominates the nose and palate but there is fresh, attractive peach fruit underneath it all."
Winestate, River Regions & Riverina, July/August 2007

To top

Please note that this wine is exported as Deen Vat 1 Petite Sirah.

"But one of the region's major wine companies, De Bortoli Wines has said it is more interested in promoting another red grape variety, the lesser-known Durif. De Bortoli argues that virtually every region in Australia grows shiraz but very few grow durif. Its rarity is its selling point. Darren De Bortoli, managing director, adds that as far as he is concerned durif in the Riverina also makes a consistently better wine. 'We've been handling this variety now for about 15 years, and year after year it has been one of the best reds in the [company's] lineup,' he says. 'Durif, whose original home was the Rhone Valley, is known to regular drinkers of Northeast Victorian reds as a wine intense and inky colour with brutish tannins, requiring longer ageing. The De Bortoli durif is a little lighter in weight and in tannin ferocity and this appears to be the style the company is interested in pursuing."
Excerpt taken from an article by Jeni Port in Winestate magazine, July/August 2000

Deen Durif 2006

"I suspect that durif may be a variety where cheaper is better. I wonder if some of the more expensive durifs are given too lavish treatment with oak which exaggerates their natural powerful tannins. There's a softness or an approachability about the durif I'm seeing here that I fine particularly appealing. This is lushly concentrated, ripe, denseand powerful with bright dark berry flavours, a mouthfilling succulence and substantial yet balanced tannins. It's a robust red with a touch of elegance."
Peter Forrestal, Quaff 2009


"I'm not sure how the guys at De Bortoli in the Riverina produce so many terrific wines at such bargain prices. In this tasting for Quaff, both this Durif and their Petit Verdot showed up as great bargains in a not dissimilar style. This is a robust red - rich, dense and powerful with fresh, clean, vibrant dark berry flavours, velvety texture and ripe tannins. There's even a touch of elegance that's rare in full-bodied durifs."
Peter Forrestal, Money Magazine, September 2008

"Lovely raspberry sweetness to the nose and a powerful, fruit-driven palate with grippy tannins and an oaky backbone."
Winestate, River Regions and Riverina Tasting, September/October 2008

90 points
“Typical purple-crimson; stacked full of ripe plum and prune fruit, backed by appropriate tannins and acidity; perfect ripeness and alcohol.”
James Halliday’s Wine Companion 2009

"A terrific, robust Riverina red, which has ripe, concentrated, powerful flavours, velvety texture, a touch of elegance and a heap of approachability."
Peter Forrestal, Food and Wine, Sunday Times, 13 July 2008

"De Bortoli's Deen Vat Series 2006 Durif is a wonderfully full-flavoured wine whose rich,spicy fruit flavours make it an ideal partner for hearty casseroles or savoury stews. Nicely priced too..."
David Ellis, North Shore Times, 27 June 2008

"Lovely mid-purple. Blackberries and plums and light oakiness on the nose. Youthful style with ample ripe fruit and just right tannic astringency. Top value."
Martin Field, E-vine, May 2008

87 Points
"Firm texture, but light and agile behind tannins, offering blueberry and cherry flavors that linger nicely.  Drink now through 2012."
Harvey Steiman, Wine Spectator, 30 April 2008


"Deep and youthful, projecting delightful aromas of black olives and blackcurrant. More dry red rather than sweet fruit flavours with lovely charry oak."
The Wine & Spirit Insider, Winestate, Special Edition 2007


Deen Durif 2005

86 points
"Smooth and velvety. An open-textured red, with pretty blueberry and floral aromas and flavors. Drink now through 2009"
Harvey Steiman, Wine Spectator (USA), 15 May 2007

"A monster! Huge hit of sweet berry fruit, masses of chocolaty oak and tons of mouth-coating tannins."
Winestate, March/April 2007

To top

Deen Vat 4 Petit Verdot 2007

87 points
“The 2007 Petit Verdot Vat 4 is purple-colored with layered black fruits, excellent grip, and a long, powerful finish.”
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate (USA), 11 September 2008


Deen Vat 4 Petit Verdot 2006

"This makes a pair of outstanding varietal Deens for De Bortoli. The Vat 4 Petit Verdot has picked up a couple of gold medals (no surprise there) and is a lovely mix of ripe, sweet fruit and savoury dry tannins, of succulent, refreshing flavour and dense, full fruitiness. There's juicy dark berries, substantial tannins on an approachable dry finish that lingers."
Peter Forrestal, Quaff 2009

88 points
"Vivid purple. Musky red and dark berry aromas are complemented by tobacco and espresso. Juicy redcurrant and bitter cherry flavors are pleasingly tangy, with no apparent tannins. Clean berry skin notes linger on a long, juicy, herb-accented finish. Very interesting wine that wouldn't be out of place in a Loire Valley red wine tasting."
Josh Raynolds - Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar, September/October 2008 – Issue 140

"The guys from De Bortoli in the Riverina seem to have a magic touch when it comes to quaffing wines (could it be attention to detail?). You can see the impact of the low yields from the 2006 vintages in a red like this: fresh, clean, lively and juicy, showing dense concentrated dark plum and blackberry flavours and persistent fine, ripe tannins. It''s approachable and delightfully succulent. Two gold medals. The Deen range has never been better."
Peter Forrestal, Best Buy Wines, Australian Gourmet Traveller Wine, 1 November 2008

87 points
"Petit Verdot is one of those grape that's only ever used in a minor key in Bordeaux because it’s such a late ripener but to comes into its own in the warmer climes of vineyards along Australia's Murray River producing, in a wine like this appealing red from the De Bortoli family, smoky aromas and an opulent, concentrated blackcurrant fruitiness with smooth-textured tannins."
Anthony Rose , The Wine Gang Reviews (UK), September 2008

"Deep inky wine with a blueberry nose. Powerful oaky lift and a huge, rich, oaky/blackcurrant palate."
Winestate, The Top 40 Best Buys Listing, September/October 2008

"The dual gold-medal-winning 2006 De Bortoli Deen Vat 4 Petit Verdot makes a formidable pair with the equally superb Vat 1 durif. The former is huge on flavour, succulence, and tannin structure, yet immensely drinkable."
Peter Forrestal, Food and Wine, Sunday Times, 13 July 2008

 "Australia provides the ideal climate for the Petit Verdot grape; this example from the De Bortoli family combines aromatic expression with delightful fruitiness and mellow tannins."
Anthony Rose, Independent, 12 July 2008 


"Great example of variety with its deep inky aromas and powerful, jammy flavours set off by nice tannin structure."
Winestate, The Top 40 Best Buys, 1 June 2008

Agreeable
"Shows pleasant dark berry and licorice aromatics..."
WINEWISE, April 2008


Deen Vat 4 Petit Verdot 2005

87 points
"The label continues to speak volumes about what else is possible in Australia. Look for a fresh, floral palate with spicy red fruit flavours spiked with blueberry notes..."
Anthony Gismondi, Wine Access Magazine (Canada), December 2007/January 2008

“This is a sleek, stylish, Claret-like Australian red.”
Vancouver Magazine (vanmag.com), Wine Awards 2008, January/February 2008

87 points
"The finest value that I tasted in the De Bortoli portfolio is the 2005 Petit Verdot Vat 4. Dark ruby in color, it presents an excellent perfume of spice box, black cherry, blackcurrant and blackberry. Full-bodied and ripe, with ample sweet fruit, this tasty wine is well-balanced and full-flavored. Drink it over the next 3-4 years. De Bortoli owns estate vineyards in Riverina, Hunter Valley, and Yarra Valley and produces several tiers of dry table wines in addition to their sweet and fortified dessert wines."
Robert Parkers Wine Advocate #173, October 2007 - Reviewed by Dr Jay Miller

87 points
"This label continues to speak volumes about what else is possible in Australia. Look for a fresh floral palate with spicy red fruit flavours spiked with blueberry notes. Not as hot and big as last year but there is a touch of acidity poking through the finish."
Anthony Gismondi, www.gismondionwine.com, 28 July 2007

87 points
"Inky purple. Ripe cassis and blackberry aromas offer straightforward, jammy appeal. Bitter cherry and dark chocolate flavors are braced by racy acidity and firm tannins, finishing on a juicy note. Gained ripeness with air: this needs hearty food."
Josh Raynolds , Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar ( USA ), July/August 2007

88 points
"Complex fruit, with some unexpected leaf and olive overtones to the core of red fruit flavours at its heart. Gold medal Melbourne Wine Show 2006."
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2008

"Grown in select vineyards the Deen Vat 4 has aromas of chocolate, oak and plum. Full-bodied."
Natalie Maclean, www.nataliemaclean.com (Canada), 22 August 2007

"Petit verdot is mainly seen as a blending agent with cabernet sauvignon, but the De Bortoli family wine company is producing some gluggable straight varietal reds made from grapes grown in its warm climate Riverina vineyards. This one is bright crimson and has toffee apple scents. Juicy plum flavour dominates the front of the palate and pastille and thyme fruit elements combine with toasty oak on the middle palate. Smooth earthy tannins show at the finish. Try with spicy Italian sausages, mustard herbed lamb backstraps or steak and mushroom pie."
Newcastle Herald, 13 June 2007

"Petit verdot thrives in warm climates such as the NSW Riverina, from where this wine comes. Medium-to-full bodied, this has an intense purple colour. The bouquet is an amalgam of chocolate and spice while the rich, fruity palate has an appealing savoury edge. Remarkable value. Widely available."
Jeff Collerson, Daily Telegraph, 26 May 2007

"Here's another wallet friendly species of De Bortoli red. This one is a sweet and sour animal. There's full on confectionary fruitiness on one side and gruffness on the other but the sweet side barks loudest. For that reason it seems to handle a beef or lamb curry particularly well."
Greg Duncan Powell, Sydney Morning Herald, 26 May 2007

"Innovative Riverina makers, De Bortoli never cease to surprise with some of their more unusual bottlings, the latest being a gutsy 2005 Vat 4 Petit Verdot for when you’re planning on feeding the man meat – it’s value you’ll find hard to beat... with a rare steak off the barbie.

With Petit Verdot’s history rooted in the Bordeaux region of France, this De Bortoli version’s full-bodied with driving plum and spice flavours and toasty oak characters; we’d suggest decantering to let the wine breath a bit before drinking – and at the price, don’t look past putting a few away in the cellar as its showing a good two or three more years development potential."
David Ellis, Your Weekly Wine Column, 21 May 2007

87 points
"A supple, velvety style, with pretty currant and floral flavors. Finishes with a long, haunting echo of the fruit. Drink now through 2009."
Harvey Steiman, Wine Spectator (USA), 15 May 2007

To top

Deen Vat 10 Pinot Noir 2008 (currently export only)

86 points
“The red wines begin with the 2008 Pinot Noir Vat 10. It was 100% whole berry fermented in the style of Beaujolais and aged in tank. Medium ruby colored, it offers up an attractive cherry and cranberry-scented nose leading to a wine with a racy personality, decent varietal character, good flavors, and a moderately long finish. Drink it over the next 1-2 years.”
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate (USA), 11 September 2008


Deen Vat 10 Pinot Noir 2006 (currently export only)


"A lovely magenta in the glass, this gives off enticing aromas of clove and aromatic bitters. It's very soft and fruit forward; expect strawberry, red cherry and cranberry flavours. The tannins are ripe and barely perceptible while the oak has been judiciously utilized and well integrated. Good balance and a fruity finish make this an enjoyable quaffing wine."
Victor Harradine, Wine Current, 24 May 2008


“An Australian pinot noir that’s well priced for quality. It delivers very nice fruit (red cherry, strawberry) with spiciness and a hint of earthiness. Tangy and clean textured, it’s ideal for chicken and veal.”
Rod Phillips, The Ottawa Citizen, 14 February 2008

87 points
"Light red. Archetypical pinot aromas encompass a range of red berries, cherry, musky underbrush, flowers and baking spices. Juicy strawberry, cherry and smoked meat flavors are impressively pure and brisk, carrying through to a bright, energetic finish. An elegant, light-bodied pinot, and good value."
Josh Raynolds , Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar ( USA ), July/August 2007


Deen Vat 10 Pinot Noir 2005 (currently export only)

85 points
"With its supple, silky texture, this herb-inflected Pinot Noir is surprisingly easy to drink. Red cherry fruit carries hints of vanilla, turning herbal and slightly drying on the finish."
Wine Enthusiast Online (www.winemag.com, USA), 1 February 2007

Highly Recommended
"This is as varietally correct a Pinot as you are likely to find at this price. The wine offers great aromatics, with ripe, fine Pinot Noir fruit flavors that are elegant and pure, a light to medium bodied texture, and a fresh, clean, perfectly balanced finish. Not a complex wine, but a genuine Pinot Noir that’s ideal for casual drinking that will compliment a great many dishes ranging from fish to pastas and fowl."
Armando Luis, Sparrow Wine (USA), 1 February 2007

"This youthful pinot noir is a pale ruby colour with magenta highlights. The aromas and flavors lean toward wild raspberry and strawberry with just a slight touch of sweetness owing to a very light oak influence. The grapes for Vat 10 come from vineyards located in and around Victoria. Some whole berry bunches are added to the fermentation to add complexity and a bit of stem tannin. This is a light-bodied, beautifully balanced wine with fresh pinot fruit flavors that would be perfect for grilled salmon to tuna steaks."
Smart Buy Wine & Spirits newsletter (USA), 9 August 2006

"New and impressive, we just received an allocation of the very nice Deen De Bortoli Vat 10 Pinot Noir 2005 from Australia. This has plenty of cool-climate earthiness to make you think you're drinking a minor Burgundy. How minor? Well, something along the lines of a Santenay, certainly better than a Chorey-les-Beaune. French and not California in style? Maybe, but light enough to pass for one of those benchmarks. The fruit for this new release comes from the Yarra Valley (think Halliday's Coldstream Hills) and Victoria. Impressive, and just in time for all late-summer outdoor meals. Highly recommended!"
Say-Vino Newsletter by Schaefer's Wines, Foods & Spirits (USA), 25 July 2006


88 points
Light red. Wonderfully subtle strawberry and raspberry on the pure nose, plus a gentle hint of licorice. Light, fresh and silky, the bright strawberry quality is underpinned by crisp acidity. There's excellent focus to the red berry fruit, and a complete absence of green notes and rough edges. A flat-out great value in pinot."
Josh Raynolds, Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar (USA) & Wine Access (Canada), July/ August 2006

Deen Vat 3 Viognier 2007 (currently export only)

88 points 
"Pale gold. Varietally accurate aromas of bright pear, peach, citrus fruit and flowers. Talc-y minerality accents bright orchard and pit fruit flavors, with gentle acidity giving lift and focus. An outstanding bargain for this often overpriced variety."
Josh Raynolds , Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar ( USA ), July/ August 2007

Deen Vat 2 Sauvignon Blanc 2008

"The good year for the Riverina comes through in this lively white: grassy, green-skinned fruit characters with ripe, sweet tropical flavours, balanced by zippy acidity."
Peter Forrestal, Quaff 2009

87 points
"Light yellow. Grassy lemon and lime on the nose, picking up deeper apple and floral honey with air. Soft citrus and orchard fruit flavors are easygoing and a touch sweet, but a brisk lime note adds focus. Finishes slightly dry but persistent."
Josh Raynolds - Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar,September/October 2008 – Issue 140

17/20
"The latter tastes younger, fresher and crisper and is wonderfully balanced and with marvellous length of fruit characters and textures..."
John Jens, Western Suburbs Weekly, 26 August 2008


Deen Vat 2 Sauvignon Blanc 2007

87 points
“Well constructed; not intense, but has crowd-pleasing tropical fruit balanced by appropriate acidity.”
James Halliday’s Wine Companion 2009

"Lighter style sav blanc with a more steely herbal character on the nose and a tight, crisp palate. Easy drinking as an aperitif style."
West Australian, 22 November 2007

88 points
"Light straw. Intensely grassy nose offers vibrant lemon-lime and green apple scents. Brisk and citrus-dominated, with soft acidity giving the wine a round quality. Offers an attractive blend of vibrancy and supple texture, and finishes with a tangerine note."
Josh Raynolds , Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar ( USA ), July/August 2007

"Reeks of gooseberries. Plenty of good varietal fruit flavours on a youthful palate. Acid dominates the finish."
Winestate, New  Releases, July/August 2007

"Crystal green straw appearance with a light grapefruit and citrus nose to get the senses going. A medium bodyweight caresses the tastebuds unloading buckets of crisp lemon, green apple and passionfruit tastes. Soft acid keeps the flavours in check."
Phillip Stubbs, Geelong Advertiser, 9 June 2007

To top

Deen Vat 8 Shiraz 2006

90 points
"This was a surprise gold-medal winner at the Sydney Wine Show 2008 and has flourished over the intervening six months. It has abundant sweet plum and blackberry fruit on both bouquet and palate thanks to the pre-fermentation maceration and has spicy vanillin oak now integrated into the wine."
James Halliday Top 100, The Weekend Australian, 8 - 9 November 2008

86 points
“The 2006 Shiraz Vat 8 is dark ruby/purple-colored with a spice box and blueberry-accented bouquet. This tasty, straightforward wine has good grip and ample ripe fruit. Drink it over the next 1-2 years.”
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate (USA), 11 September 2008

90 points
“Abundant plum and blackberry fruit on both bouquet and palate; slightly chippy/charry oak doesn’t spoil the party; quite complex and well priced. Surprise gold-medal winner, Sydney Wine Show 2008.”
James Halliday’s Wine Companion 2009

84 Points
"This easy-drinking Shiraz features some plummy - almost pruny - fruit aromas, facile plum and berry flavors, little tannin and bright acids on the finish."
Wine Enthusiast, September 2008


"If you're an Aussie Shiraz fan, you'll love this. It has plenty of muscle providing black pepper and dark berry fruit aromas and a generous wave of juicy dark cherry and bramble berry fruit flavours. It's full bodied and fully textured with a lengthy tangy finish - lip-smacking good. Pair this with lamb tenderloins or beef strip loin hot off the barbie."
Victor Harradine, Wine Current, 24 May 2008

“Deen De Bortoli’s Vat Series wines deliver full flavour at a decent price. While I quite like the Vat 10 Pinot Noir, it’s the Shiraz that’s the standout in the reds. Drought conditions in Australia in 2006 led to low crop levels and intensified flavours in the wines. Fruit driven with big alcohol (14%) and velvety tannins, it has hints of spice and vanilla oakiness from a year in wood. Have it with a steak or even a pizza.”
Margaret Swaine,  National Post,  23 February 2008

89 points
“…the new vintage of Vat 8 Shiraz is gorgeous. A brand new vintage, and it’s a winner. Aromas of briarwood, blackberry with a hint of smoky bacon. The flavours are plummy, with blackberry, cherry and cedar dominating. The finish has a slightly sweet feel, with black cherry lingering in a very mouth-filling manner. This is sumptuous, but lacks the minty cassis of the fabled 2003.”
Gordon Stimmell - Wine Critic, thestar.com,  13 February 2008

"Shy nose and simple, long and well-structured palate with good depth of varietal fruit and spicy oak."
Winestate, The Top 40 Best Buys Listing, 1 December 2007

"Here's a good one for the glass swirlers, as the nose comes to life giving out cedars, tobacco, gunflint and char over juicy, spiced blackberry fruit showing plenty of weight as all the elements balance. Smart with smoky bbq meats."
Adelaide Advertiser, 21 November 2007


Deen Vat 8 Shiraz 2005

"De Bortoli are doing wonderful things across their entire range. This is a stunning wine when you consider the price. There's plenty of rich, full fruit with plum and blueberry flavours, a nice lick of vanillin oak - but not too overpowering - and a finish that is dry and clean. Sound good? It is, and for everyday drinking there's no reason not to buy a bottle or two."
Fergus McGhie, Canberra Times, 17 October 2007

87 points
"Dark red. Jammy raspberry and cassis on the nose, with a light kiss of fresh herbs. Sweet, silky and packed with straightforward red and dark berry flavors. With no apparent tannins, this should be enjoyed in the next year or two for its sweet berry fruit."
Josh Raynolds , Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar ( USA ), July/August 2007

89 points
"Light-to medium-bodied, with good balance and line; blackberry and plum fruit uncomplicated by 12 months in oak: utterly exceptional value. Gold medal Sydney show 2007."
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2008

"Chunky robust shiraz offering a stack of value-for-money bang-for-your-buck. This range consistently over delivers with its generous full flavours. Surprisingly concentrated and powerful. Perfect with a bowl of spag bog at the local greasy spoon."
Ray Jordan, West Australian, 16 June 2007

8/10
"This won a huge gong at a recent wine show. I reckon it is not unlike a few other reds. How lucky are we?"
Max Crus, Daily Advertiser, 14 May 2007

"The 2005 Deen lives up to its performance at the show. It's a terrific wine that has wonderfully smooth fleshy texture, ripe, rich, dark, plummy fruit and supple, moderate tannins. A quintessential quaffer."
Peter Forrestal, Quaff, 1 May 2007

87 points
"Smooth and polished, with ripe blackberry and spice flavors that remain silky through the medium-weight finish. Drink now through 2008"
Harvey Steiman, Wine Spectator (USA), 15 May 2007

87 points
"A multi-region blend from New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia, and aged in a combination of Hungarian, French and American oak. A purpley red in colour, like a bruise from the school yard bully. Dusty red fruits, cherries, blackberries and a touch of vanilla, a meaty character and some spices. On the palate, there are black fruits and a seam of fruity richness, finishing with dry spices and just a hint of char. The length is pretty good really; a wine that speaks of barbeques and jocularity; great value..."
Lincoln Scott, Winorama (www.winorama.com.au), 19 March 2007

"As always, you really do get bang for your buck from this De Bortoli red, a recent trophy winner at the '07 Sydney Show. Plum and berry fruit, modest oak and sot tannins, medium body, well balanced and easy to enjoy. Huge value, the ideal everyday red."
Paddy Kendler, Wine Outlaw ( www.wineoutlaw.com.au ), 16 March 2007

To top

Deen Vat 6 Verdelho 2007

90 points
"Wines like this are setting a new standard for entry-level whites. Gone are the days of heavy, sweet, confected manifestations. Welcome to a new era in which earlier picking and higher cropping produce lively, fresh lemon flavours, and old barrel action creates textural structure and a persistent finish."
Tyson Stelzer, WBM 100, January 2008


Deen Vat 6 Verdelho 2006

"Good example of variety. Smells and tastes of citrus and melons, with honeyed development and good acid support."
Winestate, River Regions & Riverina, July/August 2007

"Fresh, ripe nose smells like a tropical fruit salad. Fresh, clean, well-balanced palate filled with flavour."
Winestate, March/April 2007

To top

• Deen Vat 5 Botrytis Semillon Press Reviews
• Deen Vat 9 Cabernet Sauvignon
• Deen Vat 7 Chardonnay Press Reviews
• Deen Vat 1 Durif Press Reviews
• Deen Vat 4 Petit Verdot Press Reviews
• Deen Vat 10 Pinot Noir Press Reviews
• Deen Vat 3 Viognier Press Reviews
• Deen Vat 2 Sauvignon Blanc Press Reviews
• Deen Vat 8 Shiraz Press Reviews
• Deen Vat 6 Verdelho Press Reviews