WINEof theWEEK

De Bortoli
Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon
South Eastern Australia 2006
$10.99
 
The quality/price ratio of the De Bortoli Wine Company’s ‘dB’ line of export wines is worthy of a review all on its own. Sommelier has offered the Petite Verdot for several years and has several Petite Sirah customers that have compared the ‘db’ Petite Sirah to some of the top-shelf Petite Sirahs.  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 flavored and food friendly. The ‘db’ wines are some of the best ‘bargain-level’ wines from any country, let alone Australia. Cost-conscience consumers will be excited about the style and price of their Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon blend.
 
One will first notice the color of the De Bortoli ‘db’ Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon as deep red with hints of black.  The black coloring comes from the very ripe Shiraz grape.  The bright fruit dominates any oak aromas as the wine is aged in new French oak for only 25 days.  Blackberry and cherry will hit the nose first.  Hints of black pepper spice will show on the nose as well.  The flavor of this wine is robust with blackberry and cassis and the pepper coming out at the end.  The Cabernet Sauvignon displays a bit of dry tannin that is covered up slightly by the big ripe fruit of both grapes.  The wine is smooth and silky and requires a full-flavored dish to match all of its strengths.  A slow-cooked beef stew with rosemary and sage will add enough power to combat the big wine.  This wine is not bad with a spicy sausage pizza either.  

 
More reviews:

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 (Mathew Jukes) 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

We will taste this wine on Saturday September 6th from 3 to 6pm.