Lethbridge Gamay 2023 750ml

“Juicy Geelong Gamay with cherry, wild strawberry, violet and a fresh savoury finish.”

Lethbridge Gamay 2023 is a bright, energetic red from the Moorabool Valley in Geelong, made from estate grown Gamay planted in 2016. It is a lighter style of red, but there is still plenty going on in the glass.

Wild strawberry, sour cherry and blueberry lead the way, with violet, clove, earthy spice and a gentle savoury edge underneath. The tannins are polished and the acidity keeps everything lively, giving the wine plenty of freshness without feeling thin.

This is a great bottle for Pinot Noir drinkers looking for something a little different, or anyone who likes lighter reds with plenty of fruit and freshness. Give it a slight chill and it becomes even easier to enjoy.

Halliday Wine Companion - 95 Points 

Partial carbonic maceration and fermented on skins for 25 days. Bright crimson. Needs a few good swirls before revealing lifted aromas of red and blue fruits and crushed violet. It's plush on the front of the palate with ripe, persistent tannins that suggest this will only improve over the next three to four years. A serious, built-to-age gamay. Philip Rich

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Violet, wild strawberry, sour cherry and clove with gentle earthy spice.

Palate: Juicy cherry, strawberry and blueberry with lively acidity and fine polished tannins.

Finish: Fresh, savoury and energetic with lingering red fruit, spice and subtle earthy notes.

Serving Suggestions

A very good match with wood fired pizza, roast chicken, charcuterie, pork and grilled vegetables.

It also works beautifully with salmon, grilled trout or lighter pasta dishes. Serve slightly chilled if you prefer your lighter reds extra fresh.

About The Winery

Lethbridge Wines was established in the Moorabool Valley near Geelong in 1996 by Ray Nadeson, Maree Collis and Adrian Thomas. The winery has become particularly well known for expressive cool climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, while also experimenting successfully with varieties such as Gamay.

Gamay was planted at the estate after Ray and Maree noticed warmer vintages becoming more common in the region. The vines sit in a warmer, sheltered section of the property near Bruce Creek, and the 2023 is only one of the early releases from these relatively young plantings.

It feels very Lethbridge. Serious enough to be interesting, but still happy to be opened on a Tuesday without requiring a speech first.

Cellaring Potential

Drinking beautifully now for its fresh red fruit and energetic character, with enough balance to develop comfortably over the next 3 to 4 years.

Details

Producer: Lethbridge Wines
Vintage: 2023
Variety: Gamay
Region: Geelong, Victoria
Subregion: Moorabool Valley
Country: Australia
Bottle Size: 750ml
Wine Style: Juicy Cool Climate Red
Wine Sweetness: Dry
Wine Body: Light Bodied
Vineyard: Estate Grown
Vegan: Yes
Sustainable: Yes
Key Flavours: Cherry, Wild Strawberry, Blueberry, Violet, Clove, Savoury Spice