Lethbridge Pinot Noir 2016 (Geelong)
"When making Pinot Noir I have always had a love of whole-bunch fermentation (using the entire bunch, including stalk). Doing so means not missing out on the full expression of the terroir. I think that is why our wines are always characterised by spice, tannin volume and drive. They need time to evolve and unpack to reach their full complexity and power and many of the wines that I made in the early 2000’s are now in their drinking window. My hope is to create wines that are medium bodied but dense in concentration, with tannins that feel like you’re melting in to a soft cushion. Hopefully I have achieved some of that in this wine.
I think so ;)"
Ray
Reviews
2015 Vintage - "Not that this is for guzzling but it has a thirst-quenching quality about it. It's the acidity and the abundance of juicy, tangy cherry fruit with whole-bunch qualities and it's overall freshness. It's by no means simple, the tannins are supple, the body compact, oak part of the equation but not dominating and the feeling this is special.”
95 Points - Jane Faulkner, James Halliday Wine Companion
SOLD OUT - Lethbridge 2017 vintage Pinot Noir is now available here.
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
Case Qty | 12 |
---|---|
ABV | 13% |
Type | Red |
Variety | Pinot Noir |
Vintage | 2016 |
Brand | Lethbridge Wines Geelong |
Country | Australia |
Region | Geelong |
State | Victoria |
RRP | $45.00 |
Dozen Buy | $455.88 |