Recommended
"The restrained apricot aromas are complemented by a hint of barrel ferment funkiness. In fact, the restraint and dryness of this wine make it ideal for those who find most viogniers a little overpowering."
Winewise, 25 June 2007

"This subtle, oak matured release is just the second from the viognier programme. Its stylish quality suggests the move was a smart one. The riesling -like packaging tells you it's crisp, dry and tight."
Mark Smith, Sunday Examiner, 8 April 2007

"Dry and lively, with peach and apricot flavors that are more suggestive of Riesling than Viognier, but this is lovely nonetheless. Drink now through 2010." Harvey Steiman, Wine Spectator (USA), 15 May 2007

"Very fashionable and often stuffed up in the making. Ripe Viognier nose leads into medium weight but wonderfully textured wine. Fruit flavours are not pronounced but waft across the palate. The wine gathers strength on its journey, finishing with great character." Tony Keys, The Key Review, 16 March 2007.

"Oak a bit obvious on both nose and palate. Excellent palate - savoury and acidic with steely citrus flavours." Winestate, March/April 2007.

"A Yarra Valley stand-out with intense, spicy and fresh flavours. Time in old French oak has added complexity. A 'drink now' white that particularly suits Asian cuisine."
John Fordham, Sunday Telegraph, 28 January 2007.

"The winemakers at De Bort's just can't put a foot wrong at the moment. Here's yet another brilliant wine from their Yarra vineyards: much more subtle, well defined, and altogether grown-up than most other blowsy viogniers." Max Allen, Weekend Australian, 27 January 2007.

"It comes in a riesling bottle - or more like an Alsace bottle - and it’s not the only thing that’s different about it; it’s long and straight and while there is a burst of aroma, it curls with smoke and white flowers and stones as much as it does with fruit. It’s a beauty. From the Yarra Valley. Sometimes you get the feeling that this company can do no wrong. Righto, pour me another glass please. Drink: 2006-2009."
92 pts, Campbell Mattinson, Winefront (www.winefront.com.au), 3 January 2007.

"De Bortoli could sway some people to switch on to [this] variety with its 2006 Estate Grown Yarra Valley Viognier (Limited Release). Winemaker Steve Webber said that De Bortoli aimed to produce a style that was tight and aromatic when young that would evolve over a couple of years into a wine that was 'taut but generous, brooding, ethereal and thoroughly delicious'. This aromatic wine has stone fruit and citrus flavours with a spicy edge. A run of acid helps provide balance. The finish is crisp and refreshing." Mike Burnett, Launceston Examiner, 3 January 2007.