Victoria 13.0% Screwcap $14
EDIT 19/4/10- I am of the opinion that the particular bottle reviewed below is not representative of the wine in question. You can find a review of a re-submitted sample here. I’d imagine it will be far more useful.
***
Once upon a time, many people marveled at De Bortoli’s ability to produce a varietal and enjoyable Pinot at under $15. Times have changed though and even past releases of this wine would struggle to garner the praise that they once did. It’s a good thing really. Shows that Australian wine is still showing appreciable improvement over a short span of time.
This is a disappointing release. It’s flat, lifeless and rather devoid of personality. Aromas of cherry and strawberry, sap, stems, grilled meat, tomato soup and spice are decent but on the palate the fruit is dull and the finish is of bitter tea leaf. I guess it’s not totally a lost cause at its often discounted price of around ten bucks…but there is little pleasure beyond that.
A monochromatic, monotone wine of little real interest.
Winery website- http://www.debortoli.com.au/
Damn. Thanks though JP, I was holding my eyes out for that. A mere shadow of the 08? Which admittedly, was looking fine enough at a similar stage of its life.
Actually, don't write this off yet Chris. Another bottle is being submitted as this bottle may have been atypical. It certainly didn't taste like the 2008 – the vibrancy of fruit was missing.
I'll taste it again ASAP.
cheers
j
Re-tasting another bottle of this now. Fruit is vibrant, spice is pretty, hints of sap and some forest characters. Totally different wine to the 1st bottle opened. Will post a new review tomorrow.
I have just purchased a bottle of this wine and was greatly disappointed it is truely atrocious
bordering on undrinkable. I am returning wine to bottle shop for a refund.
I dont know how they can sell this bottled bilge water.