Noble One Botrytis Semillon, De Bortoli

Darren De Bortoli created Noble One in 1982, to this day it is still one of the most awarded wines in history. More than three decades after this pioneering Botrytis Semillon took the world by storm, internationally acclaimed Noble One remains the benchmark of Australian ‘Botrytis’ dessert winemaking.

Vineyards and Winemaking - The fruit is sourced from De Bortoli's own vineyards plus one other vineyard of a long standing supplier of high quality Botrytis Semillon to us.   By the end of April, the increasing the Botrytis infection rose to high enough levels to concentrate the sugar and flavours to allow harvest to begin. Harvest started early May and progressed for next 5 weeks into mid June. Harvesting every block at its ideal Botrytis and sugar concentration.

A throwback to the wines of the mid 80’s with higher alcohols and slightly less sugar.   De Bortoli ferment and mature each vineyard separately in French oak Barriques for 12 months to ensure the nuances of each vineyard flavours are captured. When blended together each parcel of wine plays their role in moulding the final wine known as Noble One.

Tasting note - Brilliant pale gold. Intense nose with spicy cinnamon over yellow peaches and French nougat aromas, with just a hint of burnt sugar syrup. Palate is rich, powerful and impossibly long with peaches and barley sugar flavours all kept in check by deft acidity.
A wine that can be enjoyed just on its own or with a fabulous cheese and fruit platter. But also try with freshly shucked oysters or Foie Gras.