Grape(s): Chardonnay
Drinkability: Contemplate
Allegra is Lethbridge’s ?reserve? Chardonnay; not unrelated to the regular release, but here there is greater richness to the nose and palate. There is a touch of butter over the figs, nuts and minerals; this sees 100% malolactic but the effects are subtle and finely judged. There?s still a real acid spine holding all this together and a powdery richness from the oak. An all-wild yeast ferment has given this a wonderfully supple texture; there?s nothing feral about it. Medium-full bodied by Chardonnay standards, with great evenness along the tongue; this is where the quality really shows. Medium-long dry minerally finish. This should age beautifully for 2-3 more years. Exquisite Chardonnay.
For the common man, the word “terroir” seldom sparks interest in Australia. This term is usually reserved for regions such as Chablis, Pomerol or Mosel. But we would be foolish to say there is no terroir in Geelong. Especially when you’re talking to Ray Nadeson, winemaker and owner of the, now, world-famous Lethbridge. Before phylloxera was discovered, the Moorabool Valley in Geelong was the largest grape-growing region in Victoria. In recent decades, new vines have been planted and the region is undergoing a resurgence, with winemakers and consumers rediscovering all the richness this piece of land has to offer. Lethbridge is a leader among these wineries ? focusing on forward-looking, provocative wines.
