Lethbridge Pinot Noir 2016 (Geelong)

Lethbridge Wines is a situated in the Moorabool valley in the Geelong wine region. Back in the 1860’s the Geelong region was the largest grape-growing region in Victoria, having been established by immigrant Swiss vignerons. Unsurprisingly the varieties planted were said to include ’Hermitage’, Burgundy and Chasselas . The wines produced from the region won numerous prizes at local and European wine shows. When phylloxera was discovered in the region in the early1880’s the vineyard were destroyed and it was not until the late 1960’s early 1970’s that vines were again planted in the Geelong region.

Not surprisingly, the site at Lethbridge was selected based on scientific principles such as soil type, degree days and other climatic indicators. However when we first explored the property we discovered an ancient old wooden fermentation vat in one of the old sheds. Discussion with the previous owner (Ivor Perdrisat) revealed that his family, Swiss in origin, had planted a vineyard on the exact site back in the 1870's before the discovery of phylloxera in the region. The old wine vat has been reincarnated as a beautiful timber tasting bench in the cellar door. This story is compelling in the connection between traditional wisdom and modern science.

There are few tales as impressive as that of Lethbridge Wines. Ray Nadeson and Maree Collis were both successful medical researchers before succumbing to their desire to create a vineyard and winery in Geelong. They planted vines on their own rootstocks, built a straw-bale winery and house, and farmed the land according to biodynamic beliefs. Their wines are powerful, structured, pure and long-lived.

Sourced from four single vineyards in Geelong, two in the Moorabool Valley (Hillside Haven & Springbank) and two from the Bellarine (Hat Rock & Suma Park). All fruit was handpicked and fermented separately to keep the individual vineyard characters distinct. Each parcel was treated the same; wild yeast fermented with around 40% whole bunches. The wine was then matured for 10 months in 40% new French oak barriques. After rigorous tastings we blended the wines to create this wonderful Pinot Noir in the Lethbridge style.

Bottled in February 2017. Winery Notes