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: Named after daughter Allegra, this is Maree Collis and Ray Nadeson’s flagship Chardonnay. They source the fruit for the Allegra Chardonnay from the historic Rebenberg vineyard in Mount Duneed. Located 10 kilometres southwest of Geelong, the vineyard was initially planted in 1858 and replanted in 1968 by Ken and Joy Campbell. The Chardonnay vines are now almost 50 years old (planted in 1981, making them some of the oldest Chardonnay vines in Geelong). They are rooted in gravel and quartz soil and give extremely low yields of less than 12 hl/ha. These low yields and old vines go some way to explain how the Rebenberg vineyard always delivers “fruit of incredible density and acid”, according to Ray.
Fruit for the 2019 Allegra was hand-picked and pressed as whole bunches before barrel fermentation with wild yeasts. The wine underwent full malolactic conversion and matured for 11 months in new oak, which Ray says allows “the oak tannins to frame the wine”. The wine then aged in bottle for a further five years before release. Lethbridge and Chardonnay are a match made in heaven, and here we have exhibit A.
97 points, James Suckling “An excellent release of this unique Australian chardonnay, held back five years in bottle before release. Aromas of lemon confit, oyster shells, grapefruit, salted nuts, lanolin and struck matches, with a quartz undertone. The palate is tightly wound, with pure mineral acidity and a rounded, textural mouthfeel that gives both generous fruit and a hint of reduction. Outstanding power and grace, with no sign of the 100% new French oak. Exceptional.”
95 points, Jeni Port, for Halliday’s Wine Companion “A difficult vintage but Allegra, which is sourced from the oldest chardonnay vineyard in Geelong at Mt Duneed, shines. A tightly coiled, thrilling chardonnay. White peach, nectarine, flinty grapefruit, lemon curd and nougatine, nutty oak, not to forget the herbs (lemon thyme) and spice, is all here. Length and fine acid drive are impressive. A quiet power lives here.”
RRP $114 Our Special Price $94.99 when you buy 6 or more of this wine.
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