Durif    2021

Small Batch

Small Batch Durif Wine From Mclaren Vale - Curtis Family Vineyards

The Curtis Small Batch Durif Wine collection is all about creativity, precision, and innovation. These handcrafted wines are made in limited volumes, allowing our winemakers to experiment and perfect unique expressions. Each release captures something special – character, charm, and individuality in every drop.

Sale price$80.00

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Package: 1 Bottle
AWARDS

2025

2025

It's powerfully expressed on the nose, showcasing black and purple fruit intensity, cake spice, vanilla, and roasted hazelnut aromas with a hint of cocoa. The palate is wonderfully weighted and plump, offering terrific intensity backed by a velvety texture and supple tannins, making it hugely appealing.
Sam Kim Wine Orbit Score: 95/100 ★★★★★

Dark and mysterious from the first sniff, packed with carob, blackberry compote, blueberry yogurt and chocolate-coated licorice, blue plums and cracked vanilla pods, with dried sage and cloves piercing at the end. The palate is milder and less dark in its fruit composition than the nose, opening with chunky tannins before an ironstone minerality takes over, finishing savoury and persistent.
Lisa Cardelli Wine Pilot Score: 94/100 ★★★★★


Intense midnight-purple with near-black core. The nose is bold and inky with dark plum, blackberry and liquorice. On the palate this is big, bold and muscular with intense dark berry fruit, firm tannins and powerful structure. It delivers serious concentration and a long, grippy finish with plenty of character.
Vino Masters Score: 94/100 ★★★★★ Bold, muscular and full of personality.

Durif’s signature intensity is on full display here – right on. Dense black fruits, chocolate, lavish sweet spice and dashes of cocoa powder and figs. All this bold in perfume, wrapped in firm tannins and delivered with substantial texture. Hang on, freshness keeps things moving. A bold, deeply flavoured wine with plenty of personality and admirable balance. Mike Bennie AWB Magazine Score: 93/100 ★★★★★

The appearance is opaque and foreboding, while the palate is gently contoured by supple tannins, directing the grapey flavours to impressive length. A wine that glides rather than grates. Hints of tar, bergamot and a verdant lift, meld nicely with subtle oak and effortless freshness. This is a very good effort, savoury and beguiling Ned Goodwin MW Score: 93/100 ★★★★★


There’s so much substance here, so much grunt, such depth and yet such
prettiness. Black cherry, plum, ironstone, sweet herb and pure aniseed
flavours drive confidently through the palate before firm, wide,
authoritative tannin takes over. This is old school durif, and new
school durif, in one: it’s pretty and accessible but it’s also firm
enough to feel rock solid.

Campbell Mattinson Score: 93/100 ★★★★★

2021

2021

Gold Medal – AWC Vienna International Wine Challenge
Gold Medal – Melbourne International Wine Competition
95 points – Russell Gallagher, Vino Masters
17 points – Jancis Robinson
94 points – Melbourne International Wine Competition
94 points – Andy Lloyd, The Wine Panel
93 points – Asia International Wine Competition
93 points – Mike Bennie, WBM
93 points – Campbell Mattinson
93 points – John Clark, The Wine Panel
93 points – Sam Kim Wine Orbit
93 points – Ken Gargett, Wine Pilot
92 points – Lisa Cardelli, The Wine Pilot

Before 2021

Before 2021

WINEMAKING

The grape is related to Shiraz / Syrah and the rare ancient French grape, Peloursin.​

Gently destemmed and cold-soaked for 14 days.
Slowly fermented for a further 14 days, then gently pressed into a mixture of new and 2-year-old American Oak barrels.​

Drink now up to 15 years.

TASTING NOTE

This Small Batch Durif displays a full-bodied, plush palate with bright & vibrant berry fruits including black cherry, blueberry, raspberry, and mulberries with hints of spice. Silky tannin finish and great balance.​

The Durif is loved for its deeply coloured wines with rich black fruit flavours and bold tannins.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What makes Durif different from Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon?

    Durif is typically darker, more intense, and more tannic, offering deeper colour, richer fruit, and a firmer structure than most Shiraz or Cabernet styles.

  • What does Curtis Small Batch Durif taste like?

    Expect bold black fruit like blackberry and plum, layered with spice, dark chocolate, and earthy notes, finishing with strong structure and a long, powerful finish.

  • What is the alcohol content of this Durif wine?

    It generally sits around 14%–15% ABV, giving it a full-bodied, robust profile suited to those who enjoy intense red wines.

  • Is Durif wine dry or sweet?

    It is a dry wine, but its richness and ripe fruit can create a dense, smooth mouthfeel, rather than a sharp or acidic finish.

  • Who should choose a Durif over other red wines?

    Durif is ideal for those who enjoy big, bold wines with strong tannins and deep flavours, especially if lighter reds feel too soft.

  • Does this wine need decanting before serving?

    Yes—decanting for 30–60 minutes is recommended to soften the tannins and allow the wine to open up.

  • Can I drink this wine now or should I age it?

    It can be enjoyed now with decanting, but it also benefits from ageing, where it becomes smoother and more integrated.

  • What is the ideal serving temperature for Durif?

    Serve at around 16–18°C. Slight cooling can help balance its intensity and tannin structure.