…affordable luxury

The ‘Noble One’ Botrytis Semillon is a flagship for the De Bortoli family. Not bad for a sweet wine that many believed could never be made, let alone have a market. Darren after graduating from Roseworthy quickly recognised the potential to make a premium quality dessert wine from grapes affected by ‘botrytis’ or ‘noble rot’ in the Riverina area, with the first release in 1982.
De Bortoli ‘Noble One’ - is one of the most awarded wines in history - and is the benchmark for Australian ‘botrytis’ winemaking. The fruit for this wine is sourced from their own vineyards plus another they have a long-standing supply of botrytis Semillon. Since 2000 Julie Mortlock has assisted, then taking over stewardship of this wine until this year 2024.
Because in October 2024, after an incredible 35-year career at De Bortoli Wines, senior winemaker Julie Mortlock decided to hang up her winery boots - leaving behind an enduring mark on the Riverina, Australian and International wine industry. Her journey began unexpectedly in a laboratory and then blossomed into a remarkable career where Julie became a Champion of Fortified Wines, diligently guided the iconic ‘Noble One’ Botrytis Semillon, known around the globe as the ‘Queen of Botrytis’ and has inspired many aspiring winemakers.
The careful hand-picking of the Botrytis berries started with the first selection coming into the winery on the 18th March, which was the second earliest harvest in the history of Noble One. On arrival into the winery, the fruit was crushed and left overnight to release rich flavours and sweetness. Following this, the pressed juice was clarified and then fermented in tank. The different ferments were carefully monitored until a balanced alcohol, sweetness and acidity was achieved. The ferment was then halted, with the wine again clarified, stabilized and then matured in French oak barriques. After 12 months in oak, each parcel was assessed and then meticulously blended. This 2020 ‘Noble One’ was matured in 37% new oak barrels, 33% one and two-year-old oak and 30% was unoaked to provide a fresh fruit forward nuance to the wine.

★ On the hypnotic nose you have grilled peaches, ripe nectarines and sweet pastisserie aromas, along with a subtle hint of honeysuckle and a note of citrus marmalade. The palate is luscious and engaging, showcasing a velvet richness, and a complex opulence which has become a signature of ‘Noble One’. The generously ripe stone fruits, nougat and infused vanilla cream flavours, and a glossy viscous texture are balanced by a good serving of natural fruit acidity giving the wine a luxurious elegance and vivacious finish.

This 2020 De Bortoli ‘Noble One’ Botrytis Semillon has 9% Alc./vol. Crafted with 260g/L residual sugar. Chill gently and serve in an appropriate aromatic wine glass at 9°- 11°C. *(375ml) NZ$40.00

CELLARING POTENTIAL: *(Review 11/12/24)
Drinking perfectly well this season; plus will age well for another 14 - 16 years.

FOOD PAIRING SUGGESTIONS:
Perfect wine pairing with passionfruit cheesecake with a thick biscuit base, a classic peach, apricot or apple pastry tart served with vanilla cream, glazed cherries along with aged blue cheeses with figs & dried fruits - enjoy.