BARGAINS FROM DOWN UNDER
"The quality / price ratio of the De Bortoli Wine Company's 'dB' line of export wines is unbelievable. De Bortoli Wines is owned by the De Bortoli family and is one of the largest privately owned companies in Australia. From its premium vineyards De Bortoli makes a wide range of award winning wines including red and white table wines, sparkling wines, fortified wines and the outstanding sweet white, Noble One. The winery was established in 1928 and is now in the capable hands of the third generation; clearly there is much experience to draw upon. The 'dB' line was introduced to the portfolio to meet the growing demand of the American marketplace. Grown in selected vineyard sites in southern New South Wales, the fruit is picked at optimum maturity to exhibit the true expression of the varietal fruit and regional character. The wines are pure, generously flavoured and food friendly. The following wines are some of the best 'bargain-level' wines we've ever offered. Cost-conscience consumers should be on high alert for this offering."
Smart Buy Wine & Spirits, www.smartbuywines.com (USA), 14 September 2005

"De Bortoli has launched two single varietals under the new label, dB. The wines, a Verdelho and a Durif, will be listed in Safeway from this week. The family-owned Australian wine company sampled its new products at the BBC Good Food Show in Birmingham last week and told OLN that its first day’s stock had sold out by the early afternoon. A spokeman says: 'We had to take orders for home delivery for the wines because they were so popular.' The Durif has 'intense blackberry fruit', while the Verdelho has 'tropical fruit salad flavours with a hint of zesty lemon.'"
OLN, UK, 8 December 2003

"Perfect to sip during the blazing days of August, this sparkler is charming and refreshing. Many sparkling wines in this price range are cloyingly sweet and lose their bubbles after about one minute in the glass. This wine is nothing of the sort: It is crisp, clean and dry and the bubbles seem to go on forever. Chill it, pour it into a champagne glass and serve it with oysters on the half shell."
Smart Buy Wine & Spirits newsletter (USA), 09 August 2006

"In the New World, try well-spiced sparklers from Australia, such as the De Bortoli Brut South Eastern Australia dB NV."
Tim Fish & Alison Napjus, Wine Spectator, USA, 31 December 2005 - 15 January 2006

dB Petite Sirah 2007

86 points (Only Australian wine reveiwed under $10.00USD)
“The 2007 Petite Sirah dB Selection delivers big bang for the buck. Dark ruby/purple-colored, it has an excellent nose of plum and blueberry. On the palate it is meaty and surprisingly rich. Drink this crowd-pleaser over the next 1-2 years.”
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate (USA), 11 September 2008


dB Petite Sirah 2006

89 points
"Petite Sirah is a grape emerging from long eclipse. This red shows violets, blackcherry, plum and smoky tar aromas. The slightly sweet flavours show tasty layers of blueberry, cherry and plum."
God Stimmell, Toronto Star, 5 July 2008

"Not to be confused with true Syrah, Petite Sirah is a workhorse grape variety in some regions of the world and nobody really knows what its lineage is. Just enjoy. This Australian is fruit-driven and bold, bringing to mind sweet and tart cherries, raspberries, blueberries, wrapped in vanilla brioche.”
Dan Kislenko, The Hamilton Spectator, 5 July 2008


"Petite Sirah (a.k.a. Durif) is not 'little Syrah' although Syrah is one of its parents. The lifted nose emits alluring spice box and ripe mulberry aromas. There's a big gusher of dense ripe fruit flavours—dark berry, spiced black plum and tangy red cherry—that drench the palate. It's full bodied and incredibly well balanced. Dusty tannins add structure and longevity; drink 2010 to 2017 or after a couple of hours in a carafe. The lengthy finish is fruit forward. Pick up an armful."
Victor Harradine, Wine Current, 24 May 2008

“This is delicious - all berries, smoke and spice. Perfect barbie wine.”
Vancouver Magazine (vanmag.com), Wine Awards 2008, January/February 2008

85 points
"Spicy, peppery, blackberry jam, black cherry nose with a bit of licorice. Soft, round, slightly tannic palate with rootsy, licorice, coffee, black cherry flavours. A bit acidic on the finish but an easy drink."
Anthony Gismondi, www.gismondionwine.com, 6 August 2007

88 points
"A full-bodied and juicy wine that displays notes of plum and oak. Closed with a screwcap..."
Natalie Maclean, www.nataliemaclean.com (Canada), 22 August 2007

85 points
"Fresh and zingy. A lively mouthful of blueberry and blackberry fruit that's surprisingly refined in texture and style. Drink now."
Harvey Steiman, Wine Spectator (USA), 31 March 2007


dB Petite Sirah 2005

"Superfriendly, jammy mouthful of berries with a note of clove and a whiff of American oak."
Tracy Lewis Liang & Bill Daley, Chicago Tribune, 3 February 2007

Best Red Under $15 AND Best Red, All Other
89 points
"Consistently spicy on the nose from year to year, the '05 with its well-defined blackberry/blueberry notes may be the best yet. The entry is soft and round with vanilla, leather, white pepper and more black fruit flavours. The tannins are chunky, but for a medium weight, affordable red you can pour for dinner most nights, this petite sirah delivered."
Anthony Gismondi, International  Value Wine Awards, Wine Access (Canada), November 2006

"Aromas are of intense, ripe blackberry fruit heavily dosed with vanilla. The palate deals much of the same, but dialed down a notch in intensity. Feel is smooth; 10,000 cases produced."
Wine Enthusiast, USA, August 2006

"Awesome Aussies: best buy red is De Bortoli 2005 Petite Sirah with spicy blueberry, blackberry and white pepper notes with a suffusive finish. It's not quite the De Bortoli Vat 8 Shiraz that's been flying off general list shelves, but the family resemblance in depth of flavour is obvious."
Gordon Stimmell, Toronto Star, Canada, 29 April 2006

"They've had a lot of success with this often overlooked grape variety in the flat, hot Riverina region of New South Wales. De Bortoli's version has complexity and a fair bit of alcoholic power. The flavours emerge as black raspberry, dried blueberries, bittersweet chocolate and black licorice. A great value in a summer BBQ wine."
Dan Kislenko, The Hamilton Spectator, Canada, 29 April 2006

"There are no bargain-basement wines in this release, but the least expensive, is offbeat but worth trying. Flavours of ripe plum and sour cherry get carried on a smooth texture before this red turns dry and slightly herbal, with a tea-like finish."
Beppi Crosariol, The Globe and Mail, Canada, 29 April 2006

88/100
"This wine offers remarkable colour and youthfully exuberant fruit. But if you are familiar with Petite Sirahs out of California you will not be surprised by this one. Terrific nose of blueberry jam, with bacon, clove and cedar notes in the background. It's full, soft, sweet and cool on the finish. Not great length and it is simple in a way - but really delicious. Beaujolais on steroids!
Value Rating -
(Excellent Value, you must try it, even if not your type)"
Wine Access, Canada, 29 April 2006

dB Durif 2003

This weeks WOW!
"Durif is a relation to the syrah or shiraz grape variety, but it seems to have much more smooth plum and black-cherry fruit than the spicy, leathery syrah. De Bortoli are masters of this unusual grape and this brand new 2003 is a phenomenal glass of wine. It is very dark in colour, with a glorious, velvety smooth texture and a chocolatey, mildly herbal finish. It is not too heavy or alcoholic, just juicy and plump and ready to drink."
Matthew Jukes, The Daily Mail (UK), 6 March 2004. The Daily Mail is London’s most widely circulated publication

dB Cabernet Merlot 2004

"De Bortoli is fast becoming a force to be reckoned with. Chardonnay, Shiraz and Pinot Noir feature in this list and, not content with this haul, an entry-level Cabernot/Merlot stumbled across my path and I couldn't leave it out of the reckoning. This wine is bloody brilliant! Juicy, mouth watering, beautifully ripe and dead cheap."
Matthew Jukes. The Wine List 2006, The Top 250 Wines of the Year. UK.

dB Chardonnay 2007

"Full-bodied, soft in texture and loaded with peach and melon fruit, this is a tasty everyday Chard. Hint of custard and lime give it additional interest, while the finish ends on a citrusy (orange?) note. Drink Now."
Wine Enthusiast Magazine, Buying Guide, November 2008

dB Chardonnay 2006

"The 2006 De Bortoli dB Selection Chardonnay tastes like a juicy peach accented with a hint of caramel, and it shows off chicken or crab cakes."
Karen Page & Andrew Dornenburg, Washington Post, 28 November 2007

85 points
"Tangy and appealing for its citrusy pineapple flavors that linger nicely. Drink now."
Harvey Steiman, Wine Spectator (USA), 15 May 2007


dB Chardonnay 2005

"The grapes for this wine were selected from specific vineyards to achieve the flavour profile desired in the finished wine. Fermentation was carried out in stainless steel tanks then blended following the fermentation. It is a pale yellow in colour with a bouquet of citrus and tropical fruits. On the palate the wine is highlighted by tropical fruit and citrus flavours with just a hint of vanilla and oak provided by the oak staves. It finishes with a clean, crisp texture. We would serve this medium-bodied Chardonnay with chicken, seafood or pasta with cream sauces."
Smart Buy Wine & Spirits, www.smartbuywines.com (USA), 14 September 2005

dB Semillon Chardonnay 2005

"Waxy, candy peel aromas. Textured with ripe citrus and a touch of honey."
Wine & Spirit (UK), December 2006

"De Bortoli dB 2005 Semillon Chardonnay is a gold medal-winning blend of two grapes. The semillon gives it stunning richness and a lovely viscosity on the palate. Give it prawns, scallops or monkfish if you can't run to lobster. Perfection at 13.5% alcohol."
Bill Clapperton, www.scotsman.com Living - Food & drink, 2 November 2006

"Classically Australian in style with plenty of ripe, sun-drenched fruit and soft approachable flavours, this must be one of the best value Antipodean whites around."
Oddbins Promotional Catalogue, UK, May 2006

dB Verdelho 2003

"Back-label tasting notes really do tell the truth - well, De Bortoli’s do anyway. Even our less knowledgeable wine friends talked of a 'fresh, crisp' style to this newly-introduced wine. Hints of zesty lemon really do finish off an initial tropical fruit salad flavour."
OLN, UK, 5 December 2003

dB Shiraz 2006

85 Points
Light and fruity. A refreshing mouthful of raspberry and cranberry flavors that fade slowly on the velvety finish.  Drink now.
Harvey Steiman, Wine Spectator (USA), 31 March 2007


dB Shiraz 2004

"From Southeastern Australia, De Bortoli 'dB Selection' 2004 Shiraz has finally hit the shelves. I say finally because I had the opportunity of pre-tasting this juice bomb, along with a selection of other releases, with Victor De Bortoli last summer. At this price, it is the best value Aussie red of the release. Look for juicy, ripe Damson plum and spicy, black cherries on the nose. It has juicy, spicy, blueberry flavours with some hints of Xmas cake on the finish. It is the most forward of all three Shiraz recommended, it fits into the wide-appeal, quaffer category."
Michael Vaughan, National Post, Canada, 7 January 2006

88 points
"Another exceptional value is the Aussie De Bortoli 'dB' 2004 Shiraz with minty black cherry, cedar, pine needles and smoky blueberry, showing a nice sweet-edged finish...very tasty."
Gordon Stimmell, Toronto Star, Canada, 18 January 2006

"De Bortoli is a major Australian producer just starting to make inroads in Ontario. Their target is fruit forward, easy drinking, 'best buy' wines. Here's a fun, tasty wine that evokes damson plums, cherry jam and cloves."
Dan Kislenko, The Hamilton Spectator, Canada, 7 January 2006

dB Shiraz Cabernet 2006

84 points
"Leafy minty cabernet nose that is bit reductive on the nose with bits of cassis. The palate is soft and sweet with spicy plummy fruit and that undercurrent of acidity we see in so many Oz wines. Simple straight up pizza red."
Anthony Gismondi, www.gismondionwine.com, 6 July 2007

"My Wine of the Week is a stunning creation. Shiraz/Cabernet is Australia's secret weapon and De Bortoli is Australia's most complete winery. Combine the two and this is the year's best-value red wine. You really can't do without this exceptional, ripe, spicy red in your cellar.
Matthew Jukes, Weekend, 30 December 2007


dB Shiraz Cabernet 2005

"A great value red with lifted spice and pepper aromas. The palate is generous with spice, peppers and concentrated plum fruit flavours. The tannins are soft and balanced with subtle yet sweetish oak."
Oddbins Promotional Catalogue, UK, May 2006

dB Merlot 2006

"De Bortoli dB Selection Merlot, whose impressive first sip made it clear that our quest was over. The light-to medium-bodied wine from one of the best-value and fastest-improving wine producers in Australia features the juicy fruitiness of mixed berries and plums with a mellow dark chocolate finish."
Karen Page & Andrew Dornenburg, Washington Post (USA), 28 November 2007

"A surprising Merlot, with smooth, firm tannins and more spice than I expected from the varietal. It has a mellowing touch of vanilla and warm oak and a plummy midrange. It stood up nicely to asparagus stir-fry with turkey and pork, the food making the taste somehow brighter and lengthening the finish. This reminded me of a cross between a French Merlot and a light- bodied Shiraz."
Harry Calhoun, Ten Dollar Tastings (USA), 24 May 2007

"Soft and fruity, with pretty currant fruit, finishing with a refreshing lift. Drink now."
Wine Spectator (USA), 31 January 2007


dB Merlot 2004

"The grapes for this wine were carefully managed during the entire growing season to ensure an optimum flavour profile. The wine was initially fermented on the skins for 7 days in stainless steel vats and was allowed to complete a malo-lactic fermentation. It was matured in 2 - 3 year old French oak casks for eight months prior to bottling. It has purple-red hues with aromas of plums and spice. On the palate it is lively and delicate with ripe flavours of black fruits and a touch of vanilla. It is a terrific example of pure Merlot fruit. We would serve this wine with grilled pork or sausages."
Smart Buy Wine & Spirits, www.smartbuywines.com (USA), 14 September 2005

dB Cabernet Petit Verdot Merlot 2006

87 points
"Dark red. A grapey and straightforward blend, with spicy dark berry and plum aromas and flavors, chewy tannins and a late hint of licorice. Uncomplicated but offers good depth and texture, and finishes sweet and persistent. For fans of the riper style."
Josh Raynolds , Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar ( USA ), July/August 2007

• dB Brut
• dB Petite Sirah
• dB Durif
• dB Cabernet Merlot
• dB Chardonnay
• dB Semillon Chardonnay
• dB Verdelho
• dB Shiraz
• dB Shiraz Cabernet
• dB Merlot Press Reviews
• dB Cabernet Petit Verdot Merlot 2006