Description
Maree Collis and Ray Nadeson are not your average winemaker/owners of a boutique winery. Both were initially trained as research scientists and hold PhD degrees in chemistry and medicine, respectively. Mid career they made the decision to pursue their alternate passion and together with friend Adrian Thomas established Lethbridge Wines in 1996. Both Maree and Ray completed their winemaking degree at Charles Sturt University after which Ray concluded “winemaking is not really that different to science, both are creative and both involve 99% perspiration, 1% inspiration”.
Not surprisingly, the site at Lethbridge was selected based on scientific principles such as soil type, degree days and other climatic indicators, yet after purchasing the property in Lethbridge they discovered an ancient old wooden fermentation vat in one of the old sheds. Further investigation revealed that site had originally been planted by Swiss vignerons in the 1870’s before the scourge of phylloxera decimated the Geelong wine region. This story is compelling in the connection between traditional wisdom and modern science.
The focus of Lethbridge Wines is to produce wines that are textural, savoury and reveal characters true to variety and terroir. The wines of Lethbridge are generally single varietal wines or mirror a traditional European blend. The winemaking team, led by Ray Nadeson, are committed to excellence. The fruit, if not estate grown, is from selected special sites tended by passionate people. The barrels are directly imported, with Ray even visiting the forests with the Coopers to select the trees to be felled and the wines are benchmarked with the best in the world. Each vintage something new is learned.
While best known for the varieties of the Geelong region, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Shiraz, Lethbridge also produce a wide range which includes Riesling, Pinot Gris, Viognier, Merlot, Sangiovese and more, with the most recent exciting addition to the vineyard and cellar being Gamay.
About this wine: Lethbridge’s Estate Pinot Noir brings together fruit from three Geelong vineyards, nicely balancing inland depth with coastal elegance. The Moorabool Home Block gives it structure and core fruit, Springbank adds a bit of grip, and Hat Rock lifts things with freshness and finesse.
Everything is hand-picked and fermented in small batches with wild yeast, using about 50% whole bunches for a bit of spice and texture. It’s then aged for 11 months in mostly older oak, so the fruit stays front and centre. “We really pulled back on the new oak, which works beautifully for the year,” Indra Nadeson remarked. “It needed a gentler touch.”
In the glass, it’s classic cool-climate Pinot: bright cherry and cranberry, a little herbal spice, and a fresh, sappy edge. There’s lively acidity, fine tannins, and a long, smooth finish that keeps you coming back for another sip.
Newly released 2024! Review for 2023 .. 95 points, Philip Rich, The Wine Companion “.. A bright ruby garnet. Ultra perfumed with aromas of wild strawberry, musk sticks and spices such as cardamom and clove. Medium bodied and red fruited and with fine, silky and persistent tannins rounding out a wine that’s already delicious yet will reward another five to seven years in the cellar. 94 points, Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front “This wine sits firmly at the savoury end of the pinot noir spectrum and, in that style, is excellent.”
RRP $61 Our Special Price $51.99 when you buy 6 or more of this wine.
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