The 2022 Melba Vineyard

First Release Since 2019 from an Exceptional Cabernet Year

 

Media Release, June 2026

Produced in exceptional vintages, Melba Vineyard reflects the De Bortoli family commitment to producing ultra premium Yarra Valley Cabernet, each release showcasing both the exceptional vineyard plots and ideal growing seasons. This is the 6th release of the Melba Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon dating back to 2012.

Vineyard and Season

The 2022 vintage gave ideal ripening conditions, with a classic cool dry autumn producing highly expressive super premium Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine was crafted from carefully selected parcels of Cabernet Sauvignon grown on 3 small sites of the Melba vineyard. Two exciting Cabernet clones, WA Cape and 412, were the back bone of the final blend.

Winemaking

Fruit is hand picked and destemmed in individual vineyard batches to oak and stainless steel vats and fermented on skins for 18-20 days before gentle pressing. These parcels are then matured in new and used French oak as well as clay amphora, with regular rackings over 12 months.

“Melba Vineyard is released when we have these very good seasons. The 2022 season delivered exceptional conditions for Cabernet, with warm days, even ripening and a long, mild autumn giving concentration, structure and tannin. It is a wine with both immediate appeal and has the pedigree to age gracefully for 10-20 years.” Steve Webber, Winemaker

Tasting Note

Opulent, brooding and expressive, with notes of dense blueberry, violets, cedarwood and tobacco. Dark berry fruit flavours, plump and textural, vibrant core, fine-grained tannin, long and persistent flavour.

Production

Limited release - 3,000 bottles

Review

“Only released in great years, this is the first Melba Vineyard since 2019. A saturated ruby red. The bouquet reeks of classic cabernet with its aromas of ripe blackcurrants, kirsch and cedar from the impeccably handled oak and crushed violets. On the palate, this medium-bodied, concentrated and beautifully balanced wine finishes with the sort of very fine-grained and mouth-puckering tannins that you know will keep this in good stead over the next 10, if not 20, years.” Philip Rich, Halliday Wine Companion, 97/100

-ENDS-

Media Contact: Kruti Shetty
kruti_shetty@debortoli.com.au

About De Bortoli De Bortoli Wines is a family wine company established in 1928, and today is under the custodianship of the third generation, Darren, Leanne, Kevin and Victor De Bortoli. Theirs is a story of a hardworking and innovative family who considers good wine, great food, friends and family to be part of everyday life.

The De Bortoli philosophy is that great wine is grown, not made. For further information: debortoli.com.au.

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De Bortoli Wines supports the Responsible Service of Alcohol. New South Wales: Liquor Act 2007. It is against the law to sell or supply alcohol to, or to obtain alcohol on behalf of, a person under the age of 18 years. Victoria: WARNING: Victoria Liquor Control Reform Act 1998: It is an offence to supply alcohol to a person under the age of 18 years (Penalty exceeds $7,000), for a person under the age of 18 years to purchase or receive liquor (Penalty exceeds $600). Western Australia: WARNING. Under the Liquor Control Act 1988, it is an offence: to sell or supply liquor to a person under the age of 18 years on licensed or regulated premises; or for a person under the age of 18 years to purchase, or attempt to purchase, liquor on licensed or regulated premises. Licence No. 6160101437. Type of licence - Wholesalers. Name of licensee – De Bortoli Wines (Australia) Pty Ltd. Address – Unit 55 / Level 2, 15 Labouchere Road South Perth WA, Telephone number 03 9237 7313. South Australia: Liquor Licensing Act 1997, Section 113. Liquor must NOT be supplied to persons under 18. Queensland: Under the Liquor Act 1992, it is an offence to supply liquor to a person under the age of 18 years. Licence Number: 356979 Address of licensed Premises: De Bortoli Road, Bilbul NSW 2680, Telephone of Licensed Premises: 02 6966 0100 ABN 77 000 146 672