"Brilliant value."
Ned Halley, Western Daily Express (UK), 27 November 2004

"The Windy Peak wines from De Bortoli have featured on these pages a couple of times in the past. The chardonnay and pinot noir are of remarkable quality and value at around $13. The Windy Peak Sangiovese 2003 and the Windy Peak Riesling 2004 are similarly priced and continue this range’s sterling performance. Put quite frankly, it’s hard to go wrong when you see a Windy Peak product in the bottle shop. Long may this continue.

Look out for the Windy Peak Rosé too. It’s made from cabernet and is clean, fresh and not too juicy-fruity, giving you an affordable rosé for grown-ups. And it’s excellent with leftovers at luncheon."
Ben Canaider, ABC Delicious magazine, Dec/Jan 2004-5

"I like De Bortoli, always have and probably always will...They seem to be a winery without pretension, but with serious commitment to quality. The Windy Peak Chardonnay is always terrific value, and the 2001...is one of the best value in the country. The 2002 vintage has also produced a terrific semillon sauvignon blanc that is fresh and grassy and the Windy Peak Pinot Noir consistently gets my vote as the best pinot noir under $15 in Australia..."
Wining with Stuart Gregor

Windy Peak Pinot Grigio 2008

"Clean, fresh and well made, restrained and pleasant easy drinking."
Peter Forrestal, Quaff 2009

"...This is an easy drinking wine which has only recently come into play in the Australian marketplace. Even though it is a fairly recent arrival it has quickly grown a firm band of supporters. It is a second cousin to the Rieslings from Alsace in France. The nose offers a bouquet of honey and hay. It is a fresh, crisp medium dry white that is ideal for a hot summer's day."
John Crook, Westside News - Paddington, 29 October 2008

92 points
"Massive demand for PG this year means that there are virtually no bargains around. De Bortoli comes to the rescue with the best value PG on the market. It's got everything in the right places - fresh pear, baked cake spice and honey kept in line by taut citrus acidity."
Tyson Stelzer, WBM100, November 2008

"Fresh pear fruited, good depth, with some rocket-radish cut. Pear and pear-skin flavours prominent in the mouth too, and a touch of grigio muskiness. Juicy to close with some rocket bite adding complexity."
Tim White, The Age, 29 August 2008

"This wine is clean and fresh with good balancing acids. Featuring aromas of honey and hay, it will continue to soften and develop more complexity over the next two to three years.
National Liquor News, August 2008

"Made from King Valley and Yarra Valley fruit, this fresh, light and easy-drinking Aussie"gridge" captures the essence of the Italian style. It is delicious with a bowl of pasta and a salad."
Sally Gudgeon, Sun Herald, 3 August 2008



Windy Peak Pinot Grigio 2007

88 points
"The colour is very faint pink, which is typical of this grape; the aromas are both floral and earthy, with some mineral qualities. It's very light, clean and refreshing but has more intensity than most of its ilk."
Huon Hooke, Sydney Morning Herald, 27 November 2007

"Pinot grigio is a great alternative to sauvignon blanc and this is both a terrific drink and very good value. Refreshing, with delightful fresh fruit flavours on the palate, it's a versatile wine for enjoying in its youth with salads, chicken dishes, lightly spiced Asian cuisine or even a pork taco. Best well chilled."
Winsor Dobbin, Sun-Herald, 16 September 2007

"This is a fresh zesty wine loaded with herbal fruit flavours and supported by a racy acidity, making it the perfect accompaniment to seafood."
Dr Peter Hay, Australian Doctor, 14 September 2007

"A glorious lemony yellow. Citrus lemons, green herbs, crisp apples and nashi pears all ensue from the nose. Soft and smooth on the palate with balanced lively acidity complementing the uplifted fruit characters. A nice easy drinking white to try with chicken burritos..."
Paul Ippolito, Life Weekly, 16 August 2007

87 points
"A light, easygoing pinot grigio that's competitively priced and very quaffable. It has floral, minerally and earthy aromas and a faint tinge of pink to its colour. The palate is light, soft and well-balanced. All in all, quite more-ish."
Huon Hooke, Sydney Morning Herald, 7 August 2007

"A perfect partner for Mediterranean fare, this italian-style white is an example of the popular pinot grigio."
Greg Duncan Powell, Australian Good Taste, July 2007


Windy Peak Pinot Grigio 2006

87 points
"Quite aromatic; an impression of riper fruits on entry, then on the back-palate emphatic, dusty grigio characters emerge."
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2008

"Faint grapey aromas and lean, tight, slightly hot palate with plenty of melon/stonefruit flavours."
Winestate, Top 40 Best Buys/Italian & Spanish, May/June 2007

"A delicious interpretation of Italy's most versatile white grape. Drunk well chilled, it goes well with shellfish, chicken and egg dishes like asparagus frittata. With more body to it than an Italian wine, it's a little less aromatic, but the flavour is more pronounced."
Glynis Macri, Italianicious, May 2007

"Another health tonic in the form of pinot grigio, like La Zona, De Bortoli grigio accentuates the refreshingly citric and appley angle, making it a versatile wine for food, but also enabling you to sip it with nothing more in your spare hand than the odd gesticulation. Perfect lunch wine, and like all fresh, happy pinot grigios, drink it now."
Ben Canaider, ABC Delicious, May 2007

"Infused with the cool alpine air of the King Valley, this is an elegant pinot gris with a distinguished poise and a flourish of floral aromas."
Tyson Stelzer, Style, April 2007

"The Windy Peak label features wine from the Victorian arm of the Griffith-based De Bortoli family wine company and this medium-dry white is made from King Valley grapes. It has melon and hay scents and brings crisp nashi pear flavour to the front of the palate. Lemongrass and light honey characters chime in on the middle palate and spicy acid shows at the finish. Try it with shitake and portobello mushroom tart, Vietnamese spring rolls or salad nicoise."
John Lewis, Newcastle Herald, 14 February 2007

87 points
"The 2006 De Bortoli Windy Peak Pinot Grigio demonstrates the variety's success in the King Valley. 'Very complex apricot and pear,' Calliard (Andrew Calliard MW) wrote. 'Sweet, fresh flavours with fine, mineral acidity. Crisp and lively.' [Huon] Hooke added: 'Exotic European style!' This is a fine, elegant wine - a good expression of Australian grigio style."
Nick Bulleid MW, Australian Gourmet Traveller Wine (pinot gris/grigio tasting), January 2007

"It's not just the bright new packaging and the slightly lower price that has revitalised Windy Peak this year - the winemaking is right on song. This has very restrained fruit flavours yet great texture - an effect that chief winemaker Steve Webber is keen to pursue. It is clean, fresh and lively with a restrained savouriness (think the opposite of sweet fruit) and an ultra-dry, long finish. Serve with a Vietnamese chicken salad or tempura whiting fillet and see this white spring to life."
Peter Forrestal, Quaff 2007

"Lychees, melons and roses on the nose. Quite a lean, savoury palate - well balanced and tightly structured."
Winestate Regional Tasting - North East Victoria, December 2006

"De Bortoli's Windy Peak wines are generous in flavour with fine-grained texture, ideal for bringing out the best in food. They consistently offer exceptional quality along with great value. This wine from Victoria is pale straw in colour and features the lovely aroma of pears with a hint of green apples. A zesty, vibrant, dry white wine, it is a refreshing drink in the warm weather and suitable with the freshest of foods."
Penelope Churchward, Gold Coast Panache, November 2006


"Most grigios tend to be aromatically neutral and this is no exception. On the palate, it's the texture and bright acidity that delight rather than the obvious fruit flavours, making it an excellent choice to drink with a variety of foods. Food: Chicken cacciatore. Ageing: Drink now."
Sally Gudgeon and Ralph Kyte-Powell, "Uncorked", Sun Herald, 12 November 2006

"Some wines display flavours the way a peacock does his feathers, but this grigio is a much subtler bird, winning with length and a hint of beurre bosc pears at the end. At this price it gets loads of ticks. A versatile food wine, it is particularly good with omega-3 infused fish."
Ben Canaider & Greg Duncan Powell, The Age & Sydney Morning Herald, 21 November 2006

"The Windy Peak range from De Bortoli has always been great value and good quality. The fruit is sourced from a number of Victoria's regions which no doubt helps with the wine's consistency. This pinot grigio is excellent. Its crunchy green pear flavours are perfectly varietal and it finishes with a clean, crisp acidity. What more could you ask for on a hot summer's day?"
Fergus McGhie, Blue Mountains Gazette, 8 November 2006

"This pinot grigio is from the King Valley where the variety has gained an excellent reputation. It is light and refreshing with intense, slightly complex flavours."
John Fordham, Sunday Telegraph, 5 November 2006

88 points
"Aromas leap from the glass like dolphins at Sea World. Gorgeous scents of orange blossoms and melons. The palate is lean and savoury, and though the fruits are obviously ripe there is some restraint here. This is not a tarty wine. It finishes with some minerals and musk, drying, satisfying. Would I like some more? Another splash would be nice, thanks."
Lincoln Scott, Winorama (winorama.com.au), November 2006

"Few white wines have as much versatility as pinot grigio. This well-priced King Valley version will go with anything from suburban Chinese to fancypants salmon and a lot in between. Austere but at the same time immensely quaffable, it's made for food."
Greg Duncan Powell, Sydney Morning Herald (Spectrum), 23 September 2006

50 Fantastic Wines - Pasta and Pizza
"Light and lively with fresh citrus, apple and pear characters tightly bound within a crisp and refreshing palate. An interesting alternative to the mainstream varieties."
Paddy Kendler, Herald Sun, 19 September 2006

Windy Peak Cabernet Rosé 2008

90 points
"Windy Peak is the best cheap rosé on the market this year - again. Before you write it off as sweet giggle juice, have a go at its light, fragrant raspberry fruit and spicy, dry finish. This is an intelligent rosé style that is more than deserving of a bit of respect."
Tyson Stelzer, WBM100, October 2008


Windy Peak Cabernet Rosé 2007

The Quaff 2009 'Run for the Roses'
Pink Wine Of The Year
"For those who enjoy a dry style of rosé, this Victorian light-bodied cabernet is just terrific. It's restrained, soft, round and delicious, neatly balanced, savoury, finishing long and dry."
Peter Forrestal, Quaff 2009

"This is the cheapest rosé worth buying this spring. It looks the part with its pale salmon tone and fresh raspberry flavour."
Tyson Stelzer, Style, October 2008

"The 2007 De Bortoli Windy Peak Cabernet Rosé is widely available and offers terrific value for money - well made, fresh and dry.
Nick Stock, Sumptuous, 1 March 2008

91 points
"You'd be hard-pressed to find better value rosé than this anywhere. It's bouncing with flavours of freshly picked raspberries, juicy strawberries and spice, yet it finished quite dry, making it the perfect foil for a plethora of dishes."
Tyson Stelzer, WBM 100, January 2008

"The world needs more rosé at this price, especially when it’s as clean, fresh, juicy and DRY as Windy. Bouncing with flavours of freshly picked raspberries, strawberry hull and spice, this is a great quaffer to drink about rather than think about. You’ll swoon any crowd with this juice."
Matthew Jukes & Tyson Stelzer, Taste Food & Wine 2008

Windy Peak Viognier 2007

"It's been another brilliant year for the Victorian Windy Peak label. What impresses most about this viognier is the purity of its varietal fruit. It presents fresh and clean with pleasing viscosity and lively, zippy acidity."
Peter Forrestal, Quaff 2009

"It has been another brilliant year for the Victorian Windy Peak label. What impresses most about this viognier is the purity of its varietal fruit. It presents fresh and clean with pleasing viscosity and lively, zippy acidity."
Peter Forrestal, Top 20 Under $15, Herald Sun, 28 October 2008

87 points
“Apricot blossom aromas; a soft, fleshy palate with some continuing apricot varietal expression; soft finish.”
James Halliday’s Wine Companion 2009

"After the pinot grigio, viognier is the new kid on the white wine block. This drop is a good introduction to the variety, showcasing the grape's power and aromatic spectrum that includes honey, apricots and melon. It's good on its own or with salads made from roasted root vegetables."
Greg Duncan Powell, Top drops, Australian Good Taste, July 2008

89 points
"The Windy Peak series is in the running for the best value range on the shelves this year. The Viognier is a stand out as much for what it is not (pungent perfume and stewed apricot) as what it is-a pristine bouquet of jasmine perfume and a controlled palate of Asian spice."
Tyson Stelzer, WBM 100, April 2008

“The ideal entry-point viognier, a well-poised dry white showing light apricot, mandarin and floral characters with balancing acidity.”
Paddy Kendler, Herald Sun, 20 November 2007

"Windy Pants flies again! Steve Webber has pulled yet another trick from his seemingly enormous hat, to gasps of amazement from his adoring audience around the globe. He has somehow magically transformed this fat rabbit of a variety, with its pungent perfume, heady scent and peach and apricot flavours, into a pristine bouquet of jasmine with controlled perfume, demure honeysuckle and Asian spice. When this magician is in control, you know you’re going to get the full bag of tricks even in his entry-level wines. Don’t take your eyes off the man for a moment - you never know what he’ll produce from his Windy Pants next!"
Matthew Jukes & Tyson Stelzer, Taste Food & Wine 2008

88 points
"Viognier is usually a fairly expensive wine in which to partake but here again De Bortoli are rising to the challenge and knocking one out for under $15.. Aromas of green pear, mandarin, green herbs, flowers and struck match. On the palate crisp and fresh with bright crunchy green pear, apple, apricot and green herb flavours. A little spicy with slightly edgy acidity and a spicy hard green pear flavoured aftertaste. A good value food friendly wine."
Gary Walsh, Winorama (www.winorama.com.au), 16 August 2007

4.5/5
"Some viogniers err on the side of 'vinous obesity' because of late harvesting and clumsy handling. Not so this new addition to the Windy Peak range. Early picking has ensured that the resultant wine has a neat, trim body yet still featuring enough of the mandarin, apricot and floral characters typically associated with the variety. Regular chardonnay drinkers should relate easily to viognier and the Windy Peak is a useful starting point."
Paddy Kendler, Herald Sun, 3 July 2007

"The De Bortoli family was one of just a handful of Australian companies to attend Vinexpo 2007. Needless to say, its extensive range of value for money wines were in constant demand from tasters. This viognier is a new inclusion into the company's value-plus Windy Peak range. Virtually straight out of the winery, its fresh and varietal, with characteristically smooth texture and stone fruit flavours."
Mark Smith, Sunday Examiner, July 2007

7.7/10
"Appealing light polished colour and lifted nose of spicy potpourri. Soft and elegant on tasting with a silky feel showing apricot and honey characters matched with a floral tinge and light citrus acid. Finishes well with lingering musk flavours. Top value drinking."
Phillip Stubbs and RebeccaTucker, Geelong Advertiser, 30 June 2007

93 points
"This is one of the best Viogniers I've had in ages, a long time in fact, and it is also way up there in the quality and affordability stakes. The reason I like it so much is its lovely sense of balance and overall elegance and structure and its lesser reliance on the luscious, even cloying and spice filled characters that other producers seem to hang their hats on in promoting this style. Stunning aromatics put you on notice immediately that something really good will follow. Glorious succulent refined stone fruit aromas emit. Think apricots and pears predominantly, but also oranges and lychees. The glorious fruit is underpinned by soft well rounded but lively acidity, complementing each other perfectly. Gentle but long on the finish, this is a delicious and highly drinkable wine, which I thoroughly enjoyed drinking. Try it with Pad Thai noodles. Well done De Bortoli! Drink Now."
Paul Ippolito, June 2007

89 Points
"Honey-drizzled stone-fruit salad with vanilla cream aromas gets the ball rolling in a budget version of this sometimes-elusive variety. Don't be snobbish - it has character and presence, with grapy solids in play with a nicely spiced palate. Explore."
Tony Love, Adelaide Advertiser, 6 June 2007

Windy Peak Chardonnay 2007

"An easy-drinking Victorian regional chardonnay that is straight forward but pleasant, highlighted with some fresh tropical flavours..."
Peter Forrestal, Quaff 2009


Windy Peak Chardonnay 2006

"This is one of the best-priced chardonnays in Australia. It has fruit from cool wine regions and uses hands-on winemaking techniques common to more expensive brands..."
Greg Duncan Powell, Australian Good Taste, February 2008

"Excellent Chablis style  - really racy. Not quite as minerally as a classic Chablis but this should be a wonderfully refreshing this summer."
Jancis Robinson, Jancisrobinson.com, 6 July 2007


"Another impressive wine from the Windy Peak Range. It's got plenty of fruit, with flavours of peach, melon and citrus, and the perfect amount of oak. The ideal match for chook."
Fergus McGhie, Canberra Times, 14 November 2007

"Windy is a statement of intent. It bellows ‘come and have a go if you’re hard enough’ from its diminutive frame. There’s an awful lot going on here for your [money], but it’s utterly restrained and controlled in every way. You would not expect barrel fermentation complexity or lees stirring texture at this price, but then again, we have come to understand that nothing is as you would expect when Slingers, Billy Ray, Sarah Fagan and Lord Webber put their heads together. This might just be the most intellectual white wine you have ever tasted at this price."
Matthew Jukes & Tyson Stelzer, Taste Food & Wine 2008

"This is Australia's finest 'Auxerre-assassin'. It is ever so slightly oaked but not enough to move it to another section. Windy is a statement of intent. It bellows 'come and have a go if you think you're hard enough' from its diminutive frame. I dare you..."
Matthew Jukes, 100 Best Australian Wines 2007, 31 May 2007


Windy Peak Chardonnay 2005

"It's got fruit stamped all over the nose, sweet citrus mixing with acid. On the palate, it's cream laced with acid and soft fruits and a hint of oak. A new age style where the fruit does the talking in a most agreeable fashion."
Phillip Stubbs, Rebecca Tucker, Geelong Advertiser, 30 June 2007

"A Victorian Chardonnay that is bright, fresh and clean with good intensity."
Peter Forrestal, Quaff 2007

87 points
"Light-bodied; pleasant nectarine and citrus fruit with an airbrush of oak; good balance."
James Halliday's Australian Wine Companion 2007

"Bright, fresh and good value for money."
David Bray, QHA Review, August 2006

"This winter, save room in your fridge by storing this chardonnay in the cellar. Serving this drop at room temperature, rather than chilled to the bone, allows it to open up, revealing more of its sweet perfume and a luscious texture."
Australian Good Taste, August 2006

"A glorious light pale straw colour. Quite vibrant and fresh. Loads of lime, lemons and grapefruit on the nose. The fruit is supported by crisp and lively acidity. Clean and attractive in style, it lingers long and crisp on the palate with a citrine finish and with some minerality. Quite elegant. Try with grilled barramundi fillets."
Paul Ippolito, The Sussex Inletter, Southen NSW, 2 August 2006

"The 2005 Chardonnay exudes fig-like fruit with some malolactic giving great mouth feel and texture."
Liquor Watch, July 2006

"There are now nine in the Windy Peak family and they're all pretty good kids but this is one of the best. It's a leaner, brighter style of chardonnay, comprising mostly of cool climate Victorian fruit, which means it behaves very well at the table."
Greg Duncan Powell, Sydney Morning Herald, 10 June 2006

Chardonnay & Blends 2005 - 33 Tasted, 7 Recommended
"Peach aromas complimented by oak. Good depth of peach flavours that have a citrus edge."
Winestate Magazine, Vol. 29, Issue 3, May/June 2006

"Such a classy wine for the price, this is one that will have the ABC (Anything But Chardonnay) drinkers thinking again."
Christine Salins, Australian Good Taste, April 2006

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Windy Peak Pinot Noir 2008


Pinot noir is notoriously hard to grow and turn into wine - hence the premium prices - so it's great to taste one that is truly varietal and won't break the bank. Windy Peak has bright strawberry and cherry aromas mingling with spice, good acid and a fresh finish."
Sally Gudgeon/Ralph Kyte-Powell, The Sun Herald, 23 November 2008

92 points
"Made at the Yarra Valley winery, using the techniques employed for top end pinots, making its price all the more remarkable. Brilliantly clear colour and fragrant cherry aromas point to the fresh and bright cherry and plum varietal fruit on the light to medium-bodied palate. Simple but delicious."
James Halliday Top 100, The Weekend Australian, 8 - 9 November 2008


"...And this wine is a classic example. It is perhaps the best value pinot in Australia. A combination of vinification techniques were used to produce some complexity and balance in the wine. Attractively aromatic with spice, cherry and strawberry characters, the palate provides wonderful richness, balance and complexity with a lovely evenness between fresh primary fruit and developed complexity."
David Sutherland, Top Drop, Border Mail, 7 November 2008

"The 2008 Pinot Noir is a more laidback style than most from the variety, with a little less palate weight and complexity. It does, however, provide flavoursome drinking with sweetish berry and light spicy oak. It could take a light chill for a picnic or barbecue."
Mike Burnett, Launceston Examiner, 5 November 2008

92 points
"The best sub-$15 Pinot Noir on the planet just got better. How do they do it? It's got it all: A lifted bouquet of violets, forest floor and savoury spice, a fresh palate of red cherry and rose petals and a finish of great length and fine tannins."
Tyson Stelzer, WBM100, November 2008

'WHAT'S the best red or white I can buy for less than $20?" This always penetrating question remains at the grass-roots of wine drinking. In the past three years - and in some cases even more - certain wines and brands have stood head and shoulders above the pack when it comes to the sub-$20 QPR. De Bortoli Windy Peak Pinot Noir - pinot that tastes like pinot noir. The ultimate luncheon red."
Ben Canaider, The Age, 21 October 2008

89 points
"Clean and clear varietal character with cherry and red berries, lemon rind, a touch of spice and a hint of smoky undergrowthy Pinot mystery. Light to medium bodied and
pleasantly ripe with pippy red fruits, a touch of tamarillo like bitterness and a lick of spice. Phenomenal value."
Gary Walsh, The Wine Front Top 50, September 2008


Windy Peak Pinot Noir 2007

92 points
“Very good colour; ripe red and black cherry aromas, with undoubted varietal character on a palate with well above-average texture and structure; oak unseen; outstanding value.”
James Halliday’s Wine Companion 2009


"It's rare to find good pinot noir for less then $30, let alone $20, but this Yarra Valley version delivers the goods. It smells of plums, spice and earth with just a hint of stems. In the mouth there's good intensity of juicy, soft varietal flavour. Easy to like."  
Ralph Kyte-Powell, The Age, 30 July 2008

"Windy Peak 07 offers the upfront fruitiness of the grape - strawberry and cherry flavour - with a richness that indicates a warm vintage. Get into it early."
Jeni Port, The Age, 3 June 2008

88 points
"This is a none-too-shabby, value-for-money pinot noir from the Yarra. Lovely juicy cherry and light plum savouriness on the nose while the palate has a warm, friendly suppleness. Terrific value and great current drinking."
Ray Jordan, West Australian,  15 May 2008

"Pinot noir is notoriously expensive to grow and make - it takes lots of man -hours to produce a good one. That's what makes this wine such a bargain. Intense and spicy, it doesn't taste as though any corners were cut in the making. It makes simple coq au vin taste very special."
Greg Duncan Powell, Australian Good Taste, April 2008


"... high-toned, spicy, earthy, plummy fruit on the nose with a slight stemmy note. In the mouth it's easy drinking without great complexity but good, lip-smacking pinot flavour. Very soft, grainy tannins balance it."
Ralph Kyte-Powell, The Age, 8 April 2008

"More affordable is the 2007 De Bortoli Windy Peak pinot an easy-drinking lighter style that still has lovely fruit - a bit of strawberry adding to the red cherry flavour."
Jeff Gordon, City Weekly, 13 March 2008

"Soft and easy-drinking red with just enough cherry and 'barnyard' notes. It's not often you get a pinot noir worth drinking at this price point."
Jetstar Inflight Magazine Food & Beverage Writer, Top Drops,  March 2008

87 points
"...Sweet red cherry and strawberry, smoke and spice on the nose with the palate replaying the same flavours. It has sweet cherry lolly fruit but feels dry and shapely with nice firm stalky tannin and fresh but slightly hard edged acidity. Finishes dry and spicy with creamy berries, some bitterness and decent length. Very easy to drink, indeed quite pleasant, and packs a fair Pinot punch for the price."
Gary Walsh, (www.winorama.com.au),  10 February 2008

"Fresh and lively and smelling of stewed stone-fruits, with a well-structured palate of soft tannins and ripe fruit."
Winestate, Pinot Noir Tasting, 1 December 2007

"Windy Peak was an inspired concept and the wines have consistently delivered remarkable value across the range..."
Paddy Kendler, Herald Sun, 20 November 2007

92 points
"Cold maceration pre-fermentation and whole bunches add finesse and class to this wine, which was by far the best pinot under $20. Bright but deep purple-red, it has ripe red and black cherry aromas and flavours, the palate with excellent texture, structure and length. Will improve further."
James Halliday, Top 100 Weekend Australian, 10 November 2007


"Like the Gulf Station, the Windy Peak is a true pinot noir at a reasonable price. Possibly a little less complex than the Gulf Station, it still delivers fresh, light, ripe berry fruit and a firm, well-structured palate."
Fergus McGhie, Canberra Times, 14 November 2007

"Fresh and lively and smelling of stewed stone-fruits, with a well-structured palate of soft tannins and ripe fruit."
Winestate, New Releases, November/December 2007

92 points
"This wine has single-handedly set the standard to which all budget Pinots must now aspire. It's unambiguously varietal-textured, restrained and laced with perfumed strawberry and red cherry fruit. The '06 represents new heights for a label that long ago left the competition for dead."
Tyson Stelzer, WBM100, October 2007

"It is nothing short of a travesty that you can buy this wine on special for $10. If every wine drinker in Australia were given a taste of this, the ensuing stampede would throw sales of every red wine under $15 in this country into complete mayhem. Windy Pants Pinot is yet another tremendous wine from the epic De Bortoli team. How can entry-level Pinot be this good (nowhere else in the world can do it - comments gratefully received)? Steve and his team work hard, play hard, and yet they have the intrinsic, almost carnal desire to make every wine, even their every day bottles, pass the highest standards possible before it can wear their label - an inspiration to us all."
Matthew Jukes & Tyson Stelzer, Taste Food & Wine 2008


Windy Peak Pinot Noir 2006

“One of my best wines of the year - a budget-priced pinot with varietal character, pure fruit, silky smooth texture and a fine balanced finish that lingers. What you’d expect from Gourmet Traveller Wine’s Winemaker of the Year, Steve Webber, and his Yarra Valley team.”
Peter Forrestal, Money Magazine, January 2008

"De Bortoli Windy Peak Pinot 2006 remains one of the best buys in the country. Made mostly from Yarra Valley fruit, expect lush black cherry, violet, smoke and spice smells, supported by a wash of fine tannin and great length of flavour.
Matt Skinner, Sunday Herald Sun, 25 November 2007

"Spectacular! This is a stunning effort from the team at De Bortoli in the Yarra. I love its soft, silky, even velvety texture, finesse and elegant, piercingly pure wild berry flavours and assured pristine finish."
Peter Forrestal, Bulletin with Newsweek, 6 November 2007

"This is a stunning Victorian pinot noir: superb, soft, silky, even velvety texture, with finesse, elegant, piercingly pure wild-berry flavours and an assured, pristine finish. Brilliant value."
Peter Forrestal, Sunday Times, 14 October 2007

90 points
"Abundant plum and black cherry fruit, with undertones of spice from partial whole-bunch fermentation; shorten slightly, but what more can you ask as the price?"
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2008

"The Pinot Noir delivers bright, all-round pinot fruit aromas, cherries, light spices and plenty of primary charm. The palate has taut, attractively structured fruit, cherry and pomegranate, soft tannins and a strawberry sherbet finish."
Nick Stock, Australian Gourmet Traveller Wine, July 2007

"De Bortoli wines are terrific across all price points, and this Yarra Valley pinot noir is no exception. The fruity yet savoury aromas entice you to take a sip. Bursting with red berries and rounded off with gentle tannins, this is a wine for midweek red duck curry at your nearest Thai restaurant."
Maryanne Egan, donna hay, 1 July 2007

"Windy pants pinot is yet another tremendous wine from the epic De Bortoli team. How can entry level pinot be this good 'nowhere else can do it in the world comments gratefully received'? Steve and his team work hard, play hard, and yet they have the intrinsic, almost carnal desire to make every wine, whether it's a top release, or an everyday bottle, pass the highest standards possible before it can wear their label - an inspiration to us all."
Matthew Jukes, 100 Best Australian Wines 2007 (UK), 31 May 2007

"...you'll like its mix of light berry flavours and soft, silky tannins."
Robin Powell, Who Weekly, 29 January 2007

"Good pinots tend to be outrageously expensive, but this is a very drinkable young pinot, extremely food friendly, from one of the best wineries in the Yarra Valley. Silky, soft and light in style, it would be terrific with white meat or duck dishes."
Winsor Dobbin, Sun Herald, 21 January 2007

"From Victoria, a lovely lighter red for summer. A silky, soft wine with fresh strawberry and cherry hints. Try it with pork or salmon."
Ian MacTavish, Super Food Ideas, February 2007

"This pinot has vibrant fruit, and complexity from smart winemaking techniques: 100 per cent fermentation with wild yeast, cold maceration and a small whole-bunch component. A lighter style, with lively summer berry fruit aromas and flavours but lots of texture. Serve with char-grilled tuna."
Sally Gudgeon, QANTAS Magazine, December 2006

To top

"Youthful, nutty, yeasty nose with subtle strawberry notes which become more obvious on the refreshing palate."
Winestate, Champagne & Sparkling Tasting, November/December 2008

"A fresh and quite lively fizz with some subtle cherry and strawberry tones. It's slightly pink from the pinot influence. Nice clean crisp finish and value for money."
Ray Jordan, Top 100, The West Australian, 20 November 2008

"Very pale pink blush, subtle strawberry and blueberry flavours, a touch austere and fading quickly."
Graeme Phillip, Hobart Mercury, 5 December 2007

"This shows some distinct mature toasty chardonnay on the nose and some subtle rose colour from the pinot. It's flavoursome with plenty of length. Good for food."
West Australian, 22 November 2007

"This colums has previously raised the value that can be found in Australian sparkling wines, and the Windy Peak is no exception. A fair guide is that fruit from one of Australia's most respected sparkling regions, the Yarra Valley, has been used in this wine. This is a multi-vintage blend, with its bronze colour and complexity reflecting some aged characters. Even so, it is both fresh and refreshing."
Mike Burnett, Launceston Examiner, 3 January 2007

"Complex and creamy with strawberry flavours, integrated biscuity characters and a crisp, clean finish."
Kerry Skinner, Illawarra Mercury, 29 November 2006

"Smells of fresh strawberries with hints of quince. Nicely structured creamy palate developing complexity."
Winestate, Style Tastings. November/December 2005.

"A delicate sparkling wine with fragrant cherry-like tones balanced with yeast autolysis and elegant fruit flavours."
Kate McCarthy, Liquor Watch, October 2005.

"From De Bortoli's Victorian range comes a very good bubbly: delicate pink tinge (what the wine buffs used to call 'partridge eye'), hint of raspberry, lively flavours, creamy texture, crisp zingy finish. For the fun times.GOOD."
Quaff 2006 by Peter Forrestal

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Windy Peak Riesling 2007

"This is gentler than many rieslings and may have wide appeal: it is soft, round and easy to drink with lemon citrus flavours and a finish that is clean, fresh and zesty."
Peter Forrestal, Quaff 2009

"De Bortoli is turning out excellent wines at different prices, with Windy Peak perhaps the best value for money. This pale, youthful wine is still slightly doughy to sniff because of fermentation esters, but floral riesling fruit is also present and will increasingly  take over the bouquet. It has a certain crushed-rock kind of minerality too. It’s intense and tangy in the mouth with a linear profile, a tickle of sweetness and refreshing acidity. It will start to drink at its best in the next few months, and then for a good five years."
Huon Hooke, Gourmet Traveller WINE, February/March 2008

"Clean, fragrant floral aromas with citrus overtones."
National Liquor News, New Releases, December 2007


"A beautifully balanced riesling with a slightly Germanic touch. It finishes dry, with plenty of floral riesling character and a medium-bodied palate. There are few better wines to match with your Thai takeaway."
Fergus McGhie, Canberra Times, 14 November 2007


Windy Peak Riesling 2006

"Good regional character, fresh nose with notes of Limefruit. Intense acidity with a peculiar fruit character and with suspected adjusted acidity."
Bengt-Göran Kronstam, Allt om Vin Magazine (Sweden), Issue 9 September 2007

90 points
"Fragrant lemon zest and lemon blossom aromas a delicate wine, with good balance, but doesn't quite live up to the intensity promised by the bouquet. King Valley/Yarra Valley."
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2008

"Here's a really good example of a pure fresh citrussy riesling."
Blake Creedon, Irish Examiner, 26 May 2007

"This is an exceptionally good... riesling. It's something of a limey fruit bomb - deliciously fruity and varietal, but with excellent supporting acid. Delightful drinking."
Winewise, October 2006

"Floral-like nose with subtle citrus notes and a soft and pleasant, flavoursome citrus palate."
New releases, Winestate, September/ October 2006

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Windy Peak Sangiovese 2005

"De Bortoli uses fruit from the King Valley for this sangiovese It's a lighthearted wine, which is Australian in style, with its lifted, dark cherry, spice and cranberry aromas. The bright fruit carries onto the palate, which is earthy and savoury with lively acid. It is unbelievable value."
Nick Stock, Qantas The Australian Way, July 2007

"A vibrant wine with sour cherry flavours and a dry finish."
Toni Paterson, Life, 1 August 2007

"Made in the style of Australian wines, this Sangiovese is more forceful that an Italian-made wine. It has a rich texture and taste while maintaining a connection to the variety. Extremely good value for money, it has ripe fruit with earthy flavours and could be enjoyed with basically any meal."
Glynis Macri, Italianicious, May 2007

88 points
"Don't worry about the light colour, this is loaded with soft, appealing red-berry flavour and is far from simplistic. It has light body and structure but length and balance. With soft tannins, it's made to drink young."
Huon Hooke, Sydney Morning Herald, 24 April 2007

"The De Bortoli Victorian range has dropped down in price and its currently cheaper than is was five years ago - and better. Amazing. This is an easy-drinking sangiovese with savoury characters, a good mouthfeel with slightly chewy texture, and a gentle grip to finish. Try with gnocchi and a Bolognese ragu."
Peter Forrestal, Quaff 2007

"A cherry, mulberry and redcurrant concoction with spices and tar. A simple, vibrant wine with oaky sweetness."
Winestate Regional Tasting - North East Victoria, December 2006

"A little cherried, a little pithy and wonderfully dry, this red wine has succulent mid-palate fruitiness and richness bookended by smells and aftertastes more savoury, earthy, herbal and tannic. Its weight is just right for immodestly healthy drinking. Indulge with barbecued pork spare ribs."
Ben Canaider & Greg Duncan Powell, The Age & Sydney Morning Herald, 21 November 2006


"A cracker of a wine at the price, it shows plenty of the savoury accent that makes sangiovese so appealing. The nose has raspberry, cherry and woodsy notes and the succulent, medium bodied palate is supported by fine, sandy tannins. Food: Saltimbocca. Ageing: Drink now to 2008"
Sally Gudgeon and Ralph Kyte-Powell, "Uncorked", Sun Herald, 12 November 2006

87 points
"This is a cheapie from De Bortoli. The nose showed cherry and spices, a raisin character and some sparkily acid. The palate showed black cherry and raspberry, spice and light earthy notes with good acid; none of the cherry ping that you often see in a Sangiovese. It is medium bodied and pleasantly balanced with a sweetish finish. It is perhaps simple, but sometimes I think we think too much about a wine; sometimes it is just meant to be enjoyed, and this fits the bill. Great quaffing gear."
Lincoln Scott, Winorama (winorama.com.au), October 2006


"A good quality King Valley sangiovese, this well-priced young red sums up this Tuscan variety's appeal. It smells of cherries, raspberries and spices, and there are also some savoury woodsey notes. The tasty middleweight palate is juicy and appealing with an appetising dry finish, resting on grainy tannins. Ageing? Drink over two years. Food ideas: Pasta with meaty sauces; chicken livers."
Ralph Kyte-Powell, The Age, 10 October 2006

4.5/5
"Made from King Valley grapes at De Bortoli's Yarra Valley winery and loosely modelled on Chianti, this thoroughly modern middleweight features plenty of fresh, grapey flavours as well as some savoury characters more akin to dried fruits. No oak influence, mild, dry tannins, easy to quaff, the ideal luncheon red."
Paddy Kendler, Herald Sun, 26 September 2006

"Made without oak treatment to preserve fruity freshness and showing both sweet and savoury characters, this is a very handy red for casual weekend luncheons. The grapes come from the King Valley. Yet another value packed Windy Peak, an interesting alternative to the mainstream varieties."
Paddy Kendler, WineOutlaw (wineoutlaw.com.au) 15 September 2006

91 points
"Great purple-red colour, freakish for sangiovese; light- to medium-bodied, with clear-cut varietal cherry fruit; very fresh and long, good tannin balance."
James Halliday's Australian Wine Companion 2007

"I love Sangiovese - it is savoury, swish and sexy. This red is light enough in body for these starters and its haunting savouriness sits with all the tapas flavours."
Peter Howard, Queensland Country Life, 1 June 2006

Other Red Blends - 23 Tasted, 9 Recommended
"A huge inky and very oaky wine with powerful black cherry fruit characters. Excellent flavours."
Winestate Magazine, Vol. 29, Issue 3, May/June 2006

"Sangiovese is an Italian red grape variety being planted more and more in Australia. This is a medium-bodied wine with a smooth, dry finish that's great with picnic meat and cheese."
Ian MacTavish, Super Food Ideas, February 2006

"The first Australian attempts at sangiovese tended to produce wines that tasted like they were sangiovese masquerading as shiraz. Lately winemakers have got a grip on the grape. Wines such as this Windy Peak, made from grapes grown in Victoria's King Valley, taste like Australian versions of Chianti, with the typical sangiovese cherries and the barbecue-friendly tannins, but with a little more freshness and fruit than the standard Italian versions."
Greg Duncan Powell, Australian Good Taste, January 2006


Windy Peak Sangiovese 2004

88 points
"Good structure and mouthfeel; spice, black cherry, rose petal and cedar nuances; a fine web of tannins."
James Halliday's Australian Wine Companion 2007

"Is De Bortoli's chianti - from the same sangiovese grape grown in Tuscany - and has recognisable cherry aroma, ripe, rushing red-fruit flavours and a gripping aftertaste."
Ned Halley, Western Daily Press, UK, 28 January 2006

"It's at the sweet end of the sangiovese spectrum, with licorice and raspberry rippling through the unmistakable swing of sour cherry and earth varietal character.  It finishes dry and chewy, and is both an excellent drink and excellent value.  87 / 100"
Campbell Mattinson, Winefront Monthly, Edition 38/39, October-November 2005


"Rich, sweet aromas of plum juice and oak. Nice concentration of fruit flavours on a firm and tannic palate."
Winestate, Regional Tasting - North East Victoria. November/ December 2005

"It’s quite amazing how well Aussie versions of Italy’s chianti grape go with the average Australian barbeque. It doesn’t matter if it’s coleslaw and snags or marinated lamb and couscous - the fresh, cherry-like fruit and edgy tannins have a real affinity with char and smoke and sangiovese’s relatively light weight makes it a great red for daytime drinking."
Greg Duncan Powell, Sydney Morning Herald, 8 October 2005

"The 2002 Windy Peak Sangiovese was lovely, the 2003 was delicious and, already, the 2004 is out and it’s just soooo scrummy and bold and gluggable that I’m tempted to say it’s the best yet. Traditionalists might be a bit cranky that this new vintage isn’t ‘authentic’ enough - ie, it isn’t as savoury and dry and ‘serious’ as sangiovese from Italy - and I can see their point; it certainly doesn’t have the same raspy finish that made the 2003 much more distinctively ‘varietal’. But it has such a great volume of sangiovese’s other great asset - dark, black sour cherry fruit-juiciness - that I’m prepared to overlook its lack of ‘authenticity’ and focus instead on its drinkability. BLOODY GOOD!"
Quaff 2006 by Peter Forrestal.

"For the past couple of vintages I’ve really enjoyed how the De Bortoli winemakers have managed to get such strong varietal sangiovese characters - sour cherry fruit, powdery, tannins - into such a modestly-priced wine. The 2004 is a bit different - less savoury and more cherry-juicy than usual - but still unmistakably sangiovese."
Max Allen, Weekend Australian, 3 September 2005

"Completing this week’s trio of Cowra Wine Show 2005 trophy winners is this very good sangiovese from Victoria’s King Valley. Winemaker Steve Webber tells me it’s bolstered by an addition to the blend of about 10 per cent cabernet sauvignon - a common practice these days in Tuscany’s Chianti region, home of Italy’s best-known sangiovese. The variety often lacks colour, but makes up for this deceptive lightness with a mouth-puckering dose of tannin. The De Bortoli version, perhaps because of the cabernet component, has a vivid red / crimson colour. But the core flavour is varietal, bitter / sweet dark-cherry backed by a savoury and taut tannin structure."
Chris Shanahan, Sunday Canberra Times, 14 August 2005

"The De Bortoli company, with its head office at Griffith, has become one of Australia’s biggest private wine firms on the basis of providing terrific value for money. So when I tried their Windy Peak 2004 Sangiovese the other day, there were no surprises - it was a delicious drop. Sangiovese means 'Jove’s Blood' and it’s one of several Italian varieties we’ve been cultivating for a decade and, like viognier, the wines get better and better. Hugely different from shiraz and cab-sav, sangiovese rocks with subtle raspberry flavours and good ones have fine silky tannins. It rocks with duck, lamb, pork, steak and even spicy fish stew - top tucker for a cold winter’s night."
Dorian Wild, City Weekly, 4 August 2005

"The complex wine shows vibrant fruit characters of black cherry and raisin. Minimal fruit handling is adopted to retain flavour. Dry tannins integrate with the ripe fruit resulting in a vintage which displays length, texture and softness. Enjoy now or cellar for 3-4 years."
Gourmet Traveller Wine, Liquid Assets, June/July 2005

"THREE OF THE BEST - A great example of simple, upfront sangiovese flavour: bright red cherries a touch of leafiness lead on to a juicy, crisp palate and a savoury, grippy finish. Very good wine at the price."
Max Allen, Australian Gourmet Traveller, June 2005

"The King Valley in north-east Victoria is fast becoming Australia's prime sangiovese region, and little wonder...The beefy, raisiny, spirited red is sucessfully savoury..."
Campbell Mattinson, Australian Table, June 2005

"Comes from the King Valley vineyards. It's a variety of which I've become fond, with fresh, vital, fruity characters and a velvety texture, good balance and lasting finish. A marvellous food wine that can be enjoyed with most dishes."
Warwick Randall, Manningham Leader, 25th May 2005

"Full-bodied, soft, with strong earthy flavours that make it great with food, particularly beef bourguignon or pasta with spicy Italian sausage."
David Bray, The Independent, 10 March 2005

90 points
"This has cherry and berry fruit with an earthy savoury character, fine tannins and a silky finish. Good with richer meat dishes but it could take a few years in the bottle."
Mike Frost, Courier Mail (Brisbane), 15 February 2005

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Windy Peak Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2008

"The 2008 Sauvignon Blanc Semillon sourced from Victoria's Yarra and King valleys is one of the standouts of their more recent releases. It has a nice, grassy bouquet and gooseberry and grassy varietal characters on the palate from the 85 per cent sauvignon blanc, and citrus notes from the semillon. One of those buy-now, drink now wines, this one is light bodied and will go well with a range of food, in particular Thai and Vietnamese dishes and most seafoods."
David Ellis, Hornsby Advocate, 4 December 2008


"...The wine's focus is certainly the classic varietal characters of grassiness and tropical from the sauvignon blanc and citrus flavours from the semillon."
David Sutherland, Top Drop, Border Mail, 7 November 2008

89 points
"This doesn't taste like a blend of Sauvignon and Semillon - more like seamless assemblage of zesty lemon and lime fruit with the fleshiness of fresh nectarines and white peaches. There is a real tone of minerality, poise and clean lines going on here which is rare to find in this blend at any price..."
Tyson Stelzer, WBM100, October 2008


Windy Peak Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2007

87 points
“Typical spotless and finely crafted wine, even at this price level and volume; gooseberry and citrus flavours; sourced from no less than eight regions across VIC and NSW thanks to the ‘07 vintage.”
James Halliday’s Wine Companion 2009

87 points
"A lovely light, soft, well-balanced quaffer that's not too herbal. The fruit tastes and smells ripe, not green, and the palate is soft without being overtly sweet. It's smooth and easy to enjoy."
Huon Hooke, Sydney Morning Herald, 8 July 2008

"This attractive wine from the ever-dependable De Bortoli stable has loads of pretty passionfruit and citrus aromas while a little grassiness comes out right on the finish. Lovely with some steamed asparagus."
Angus Hughson, Daily Telegraph, 4 June 2008

"Ignore the recommended retail price-in big bottle shops this quaffer goes for a lot less. Pale in colour with grassy, gooseberry flavours and zippy acid, the style and weight is perfect for its intended use as that first drink."
Greg Duncan Powell, Sydney Morning Herald, 19 April 2008

91 points
"In the words of its maker Steve Webber, this wine has just the right amount of no flavour. Its understated elegance and zesty citrus notes make it a multi-talented partner with all manner of starters and entrées."
Tyson Stelzer, WBM 100, October 2007

"Jedi Master Steve Webber introduced himself to the world in our book last year. It seems that his wife and daughters have taken more delight in his new found nickname than he has, but when it comes to elevating wines in mid air, his concentration has remained unwavering. Even his entry-level whites have hit true cosmic status. ‘They have just the right amount of no flavour,’  he reckons. You may need to read that a few times and use the full power of The Force to fully comprehend it, but suffice is to say that this lack of perceived depth makes this zesty SBS delightfully flexible as a starter and entrée wine."
Matthew Jukes & Tyson Stelzer, Taste Food & Wine 2008

88 points
"A pale lime in colour. Gooseberries, lemon, pineapple, passionfruit, grass and spice. The palate needed to warm to show gooseberries and lemons, passionfruit, gently herbaceous, a little steely, good spine, fresh and delicate. I am of course drinking this at the wrong time of time: I really should be lazing by a resort pool watching the ocean ebb and flow, but unfortunately the sample did not come with a voucher for this."
Lincoln, winorama  (www.winorama.com.au), 26 August 2007

"Quite floral, uplifting and fragrant in aroma projection. A tropical fruits laden nose with passionfruit and lychees lingering. Gooseberry and essences of straw follow, along with lively invigorating green herbs. Well rounded and quite soft on the finish. Delicious easy drinking and well blended. Drink now."
Paul Ippolito, Life Weekly Gold Coast, 11 July 2007

"A good varietal showing intense, lifted gooseberry aromas and fresh, clean gooseberry flavours with soft acidity."
Winestate, New Releases, July/August 2007

"The first of the reliable Windy Peak range from this year's harvest. It's straightforward with a gentle gooseberry-like bouquet. Plenty of racy, tasty fruit on the palate. Its a good quaffer and, despite being a baby, is nicely ready. Widely available."
Jeff Collerson, Daily Telegraph, 30 June 2007

"The Sauvignon Blanc Semillon is light straw in appearance with a clean and slightly grassy aroma. The palate exhibits intense gooseberry fruit flavours with delicacy, freshness and good texture."
Liquor Watch, June 2007

90 points
"Sans King Valley sources, add Yarra, Murray, Hunter, Mornington, Orange, Canberra and Riverina fruit, knit keenly with soft aromatics and a little match-strike, some body in the palate, make fruit salad with a dollop of cream and lemon on the top."
Tony Love, Adelaide Advertiser, 27 June 2007

QUALITY: VALUE:
"De Borts have leapt out of the blocks early with this 2007 SBS. As you'd expect, it's fresh, light and lively, bursting with gooseberry and other tropical fruits. Made for immediate drinking while the zippy fruit flavours are showing in all their pristine best."
Ray Jordan, West Australian, 23 June 2007

"A bright green tinge to an almost transparent wine with grapefruit and citrus aromas. A terrific wine in the mouth with green capsicum and gooseberry components balanced by softer semillon flavours."
Phillip Stubbs, Geelong Advertiser, 23 June 2007

"The fruit was sourced from as many as eight regions in Victoria and NSW after wicked weather devastated De Bortoli's King Valley vineyards. Fresh and youthful with a vibrant core of citrus and tropical fruit flavours, integrated herbaceous and grassy characters, balanced acidity and a crisp finish. Drink with grilled fish."
Kerry Skinner, IIIawarra Mercury, 20 May 2007

"The first bottled, labelled and released '07 white I've seen has been assembled from grapes grown in eight different regions of South East Australia. Such have been the effects of drought, frost and fire that winemaker Steve Webber had to search far afield to maintain supply of what is fast becoming a key member of the Windy Peak range. The end result is a thoroughly decent dry white, not overly fruity but tasty enough and adaptable to a wide range of foods.
As with all the Windy Peaks, versatile, approachable, dependable and competitively priced."
Paddy Kendler, WineOutlaw, 1 May 2007

"The De Bortoli winemakers are keen exponents of wild yeast. This snappy blend has lifted aromas of herbs and gooseberry. Match it with chilli mud crab."
Sally Gudgeon, Sun Herald, Sunday Age, 6 May 2007

87 points
"Only April and already a 2007 vintage wine... The Windy Peak range is normally sourced from only Victorian vineyards but the frost, fire and drought (no locusts, pestilence or flooding touch wood) largely stuffed this for the 2007 vintage. The fruit is sourced from all over the place.  This is a blend of 75 percent Sauvignon Blanc and the remainder Semillon. Aromas of gooseberry, passionfruit, grass and spice. Quite fresh and punchy. On the palate light and fresh with flavours of gooseberry, passionfruit, lemon sorbet and herbs. There is a slightly chalky phenolic grip which adds texture and interest. Just a fraction off dry thus avoiding ‘face weened on dill pickle’ syndrome. Really nice wine with lots of class."
Gary Walsh, Winorama, 12 April 2007

"The press release says of the 2007 vintage, “The King Valley where De Bortoli has over 200ha of vineyards and where we source a lot of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, was hardest hit reducing our crop of useable fruit to less than 10 per cent”.  The huge crop loss forced De Bortoli to wider sourcing for this delicious blend: to the Yarra, King, Murray and Hunter Valleys, Mornington, Orange, Canberra and the Riverina. The result is a zesty wine showing the lightness and passionfruit-like character of Sauvignon Blanc supported by the length and structure of Semillon. It’s made for current drinking."
Chris Shanahan, Sunday Canberra Times, 15 April 2007

"Chief winemaker Steve Webber says the severe impact of frost, drought and fire (smoke taint) has forced him to search farther afield to source grapes for the Windy Peaks. In this case - the first bottled and labelled 07 I've seen - the fruit comes from the Yarra, King, Murray and Hunter Valleys, plus the Mornington Peninsula, Orange, Canberra and the Riverina. The result is impressive, given the modest price. A versatile dry white for everyday enjoyment."
Paddy Kendler, Herald Sun, 24 April 2007


"Few Australian wine companies over deliver like De Bortoli. At just about every price, value is exemplary and the Victorian-sourced Windy Peak range is typical. This blend is pale and fragrant, smelling of passionfruit blackcurrants and green grass, and tasting intense, juicy and persistent, with a real lip-smacking finish."
Ralph Kyte-Powell, The Age, 24 April 2007


Windy Peak Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2006

87 points
"No reduction; light-to medium-bodied, with gently grassy/minerally flavours, and fair length."
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2008

"A blend of Yarra and King Valley fruit with intense gooseberry fruit flavours backed by great acidity and structure from the semillon component. Delicious and eminently quaffable."
Dr Peter Hay, Australian Doctor, 17 November 2006


Best Budget White Wine - Uncorked Wine Guide
"This wine from Victoria's Yarra and King Valleys is beautiful to drink now - it's fresh, lively, herbaceous and grassy. The palate is crisp and well balanced, with mouth-watering acid. A fine drop that finishes on a dry note. Food: Chilli crab. Ageing: Drink now."
Sally Gudgeon and Ralph Kyte-Powell, "Uncorked", Sun Herald, 12 November 2006

"This wine is generous in flavour and perfect for bringing out the best in food with its intense gooseberry fruit flavours. Delicate and fresh, it is an ideal accompaniment to Asian cuisine, pasta and lighter meat dishes."
Francine Pullman, Townsville, 27 October 2006

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Windy Peak Shiraz Viognier 2006

"Another very good quaffer under the 'Windy Peak' label. It's soft, round and smooth, with dark berry flavours that are well integrated with the oak, almost velvety texture, finishing with a firm grip. Needs a satisfying slow-cooked Italian dish like osso buco to bring out its best."
Peter Forrestal, Quaff 2009


"Delicate floral aromas lift out the glass and generous sweet fruits fill the mouth and finish with a lovely crispness."
Winestate, World's Greatest Shiraz Challenge III, September/October 2008

90 points
“A delicious and fragrant light-bodied wine, bursting with juicy red fruits, simply demanding to be opened on any pretence and in any company.”
James Halliday’s Wine Companion 2009

"...It's an attractive shiraz with some floral lift from the viognier, redcurrant and red cherry flavours, and a gentle, balanced finish. Delicious."
Peter Forrestal, Money Magazine, July 2008

"Fresh dark cherry-red fruits. On the simple side. Has adequate intensity."
Winewise, February 2008


Windy Peak Shiraz Viognier 2003

89 points
"Medium red-purple; fragrant fruit aromas, then an unexpectedly powerful palate, finishing with strongly built, earthy/grainy tannins."
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2008

Recommended
"An appealing red fruits style with a definite whiff of spice. Very pleasant medium-weight drinking."
Winewise, 25 February 2007

"This drop provides ripe plum and blackberry flavours sourced from Yarra Valley grapes. A dash of white grape starlet viognier is added to soften it a little, giving a hint of floral notes. A good all-rounder, perfect for BBQs."
Peter Hackney, MCV, 14 December 2006


Best Budget Red Wine - Uncorked Wine Guide
"This wine is a complete delight. The dash of viognier - which is co-fermented with the shiraz - is enough to give it a gorgeous perfume of spice and dark berries. The palate is rich and textured, with subtle fruit and savoury flavours. Food: Pizza. Ageing: Drink now."
Sally Gudgeon and Ralph Kyte-Powell, "Uncorked", Sun Herald, 12 November 2006


"The De Bortolis are absolutely rocking along at the moment and the Windy Peaks are blowing a breeze of excellence through the winery. Not exactly poetry, but this wine (one of many shiraz viogniers you will find in these pages) is sheer bottled Wordsworth. This has lovely floral aromas, courtesy of the viognier, and then a full-bodied shiraz-style palate. Utterly delicious and great value."
Stuart Gregor, Don't buy wine without me 2007

"This is the trendy blend of the moment but when done well - with not too much viognier - it can lift the wine to new levels. Spice, red berry, supple fruit flavours and a soft finish here. Eminently drinkable and excellent value."
Ken Gargett, Courier Mail, 7 October 2006

"A gorgeously fresh vibrant purple inky crimson. Beautifully blended resulting in an aromatic spice filled nose. Blueberries and ripe plums abound. A certain elegance to its presentation ensues with the gloss created by the addition of the viognier. Quite seamless in palate delivery with integrated oak and a seamless satiny finish of ripe fruit that lingers long. Try it with roast lamb. Drink 2006 - 2010."
Paul Ippolito, Sussex Inletter, 23 August 2006

"This is the wine that outscored 19 or 20 premium shiraz, with at least 14 selling at more than $18. Only three wines scored above 17.5 points. The brief notes read: 'Hints of briary complexity add to middle palate complexity. Soft, dense, long, restrained. Lovely oak handling and great finish and aftertaste.' This would be recommendable at $25. Points: 18/20."
Western Suburbs Weekly, Perth, 1 August 2006

"A somewhat lighter style here from the violet red colour, soft plum nose and body through to gentle tannin finish. Pleasant mellow ripe fruit flavours, cherry and plum with a quite lifted perfumed edge. Very light oak treatment shows through on the finish, where fine tannins are the order of the day."
Phillip Stubbs, Geelong Advertiser, 8 July 2006

"One of the best examples of this blend under $15. Lifted aromatic floral aromas. The finely textured palate offers appealing and engaging drinking."
Ray Jordan, The West Australian, 1 July 2006

"Rich, perfumed nose, the sweetness of the viognier underlying plum and spice flavours on the mid-weight palate, subtle oak, balanced acidity and firm tannins providing a good dry finish. Excellent value."
Graeme Phillips, Sunday Tasmanian, Hobart, 25 June 2006

"The viognier adds a dash of floral and spice to the rich berry Yarra fruit and Heathcote shiraz in this smooth, well priced blend. Enjoy it with beef, duck or tomato pasta dishes."
Mike Frost, The Courier Mail, Brisbane, 20 June 2006


"The flood of shiraz-viognier blends has been a mixed blessing but recently some good examples have arrived, suggesting our winemakers are getting a handle on the idea. This Yarra Valley example offers plummy fruit with notes of exotic spice on the nose, and in the mouth, it's a smooth middleweight with raspberry fruit and a stone-fruity viognier touch."
Ralph Kyte-Powell, Age, 30 May 2006

Shiraz Blends - 18 Tasted, 8 Recommended
"Good length of spicy characters with rich, juicy cherry fruit intergrated nicely with the oak."
Winestate Magazine, Vol. 29, Issue 3, May/June 2006

Windy Peak Shiraz 2005

17.5/20
"Windy Peak is their Victorian label. This is rich, full and bold with dark-berry characters, some oaky notes, smooth texture and approachable tannins.
Peter Forrestal, Sunday Times, 11 November 2007

"This red tastes a lot more impressive than its price tag and label suggest. It's a blend of quality shiraz regions- Heathcote and Yarra Valley - and has plenty of cut and thrust, making it handy when meat is cooked among smoke and flames."
Greg Duncan Powell, Sydney Morning Herald, 15 September 2007

89 points
"This is a delicious, quaffable red wine that's made to drink young. It opens with meaty, slightly funky aromas and is all about the palate: sweet spicy raspberry fruit, fine powdery tannins and lovely balance."
Huon Hooke, Sydney Morning Herald, 11 September 2007

"Full fruit palate with berries, pepper and subtle oak."
National Liquor News, August 2007

85 points
"Spicy-sweet style in the lighter vein, a nice line of savoury fruit leading to firm-ish, chewy tannins. Made for the table. Attractive minerality. Bang on..."
Campbell Mattinson, The Winefront Red Issue, April 2007

Windy Peak Cabernet Merlot 2007

"There's plenty of richness and concentration of deep blackcurrent and plum flavours, silky smooth texture. It is a bit firm to finish but it'll be fine if served with spaghettini anda ragu bolognaise."
Peter Forrestal, Quaff 2009

Windy Peak Cabernet Merlot 2006

"Fragrances of violets and potpourri and flavours of blackberries and plums, threaded through with savoury oak."
Winestate, New Releases, July/August 2008

88 points
"...it prompted me to quickly write something about this wine. I’m not sure if I have the rating correct, I was a bit rushed, but I liked the wine and it easily falls into my ‘good’ range of scores. It has integrity.

Smells of blue fruits, plum, mint and a bit of cedar wood. The medium bodied palate offers similar flavours with perhaps the addition of blackcurrant and a bit of an olive savoury edge. It has firm tannins, a bit aggressive perhaps, but I’d rather have a bit of grip in an inexpensive wine than a lot of sugar. It’s good and tasty and finishes dry. Authentic and good quality is my quick impression."
Gary Walsh, (www.winorama.com.au), 7 May 2008

"A big, tight, chocolaty wine that's still a tad aggressive. Needs to do some time in the cellar."
Winestate, New Releases, March/April 2008

"An attractively bright and lively wine with plummy flavour that is very easy to drink."
Winewise, February 2008


Windy Peak Cabernet Merlot 2004

88 points
"A medium-bodied, complex array of flavours; soft mouthfeel and some texture from partial barrel fermentation: cassis, black olive and black currant fruit rounded off with good tannins."
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2008