95+ Points - Philip Rich
Nestled in the Geelong region of Victoria, Lethbridge Wines, has established itself as a producer of highly-regarded, cool-climate wines, with their Pinot Noir being a particular standout.
The 2024 Lethbridge Pinot Noir is crafted from grapes grown on three vineyards in Geelong, with the majority from Lethbridge’s Moorabool Home Block, which was planted in the 1990's. Each parcel of grapes was hand-harvested and fermented separately in open-top vessels with wild yeast and plenty of whole bunches. The wine was aged in 20% new oak for 11 months.
This classic Lethbridge Pinot displays succulent cherry and cranberry flavors, enhanced by a refreshing sappiness and a hint of whole-bunch spice. It is a beautifully vibrant Geelong Pinot with impressive length, bright mineral notes, and engaging complexity for such a young wine. The cool climate acidity and a whisper of fine tannin contribute to the wine's impressive length.
"95+ Points. From five separate vineyards in Geelong; 50% whole bunches and 50% new French barriques. A medium-deep, bright crimson. Leaps out of the glass with its aromas of dark fruits, blood orange, briar rose and dried Mediterranean herbs. Richly fruited on the medium-bodied palate, the tannins are at once robust and fine-grained. I can see this ageing superbly over the next five to 10 years."- Philip Rich, Halliday Wine Companion.
