Gun young winemaker Luke Lambert’s first foray into the world of white wine under his own label. Interesting to see he has a Sparkling Chardonnay coming out in Spring of 2013. I first tasted this last year amongst many wines at a dinner and have since read or heard a slew of opinions on it. So it was with pleasure that I sat down and spent three days more or less alone with the bottle.
The fruit comes from the Rising Vineyard in the hills between St Andrews and Dixons Creek in the Yarra Valley. It was planted in 1991. Old oak, oxidative handling, wild yeast, full malo and solids all employed. Almonds, nut skins, wax, citrus pith and stock cubes with stonefruits breaching through the midpalate. So much textural complexity and savoury deliciousness. Subtle tannin and a hint of brine to close. I’d go into bat for this wine, especially at the price. Tempted to go a point higher but it’s probably a wine that will divide so it hardly matters. Go by the note more than the number. 91 Good
Region: Yarra Valley
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Diam
Price: $28
Tasted: April 2013