If you have not been to De Bortoli’s Yarra Valley cellar door, you must do so. You will get quite a surprise when you walk in. Through the doors is a spacious, open environment that is light and welcoming.
We opted to have a cheese platter with our tasting. It’s a good idea for two reasons. One (the most obvious) is you get to see how well cheese can go with wines but also the opposite. Two, with the generous platter that we purchased, it was a nice mid afternoon snack.
I have to mention also, the cellar door staff were superb. There were three working the day we were there (New Years Eve!) and it was quite busy, but they handled themselves brilliantly. Nobody was left without a taste for too long, they engaged with everybody long enough to inform them but not bore them and they never seemed fazed as more people came in. We loved it.
Now. This wine. The fruit came from the Amphi Vineyard and it was fermented in large 5,700 litre casks. As such, everything is about the fruit and it is spot on. It had quite a bit of oomph and front to it but, on the other hand, seemed so delicate and shy. That’s the best way I can describe it really. A very easy drinking, dry style of Chardonnay that would pair well with a creamy pasta dish or simple fish and chips.
I will admit up front, it was on special at cellar door but I can’t remember the exact price. I think it was around $13 a bottle by the 6 pack, cellar door only at the time. What I can say is, it’s a bargain!
Region: Yarra Valley Cost: $13 (I think) Source: Cellar Door
Words from a Wine Glass 