Luke Lambert Wines Yarra Valley Nebbiolo 2023

Luke Lambert Wines Yarra Valley Nebbiolo

Region: Yarra Valley, Australia

Vintage: 2023

Bottle size: 75cl

Grape:  Nebbiolo

ABV: 13.5%

An exceptionally elegant Yarra Valley Nebbiolo, brimming with perfumed aromas of red cherry, cranberry and dried rose petal complemented by savoury undertones. Medium bodied on the palate, with supple tannins and a crystalline acidity which drives the precise flavours onto the lingering finish.

Luke sources his grapes from the steep 'Denton View Hill’ vineyard, near Yarra Glen in the north of the Yarra Valley. He believes the site is ideally suited to Nebbiolo, “the least forgiving and most fickle variety around”. The vines face northwest and the microclimate protects from spring frosts and allows a long growing season, perfect for this early-budding and late-ripening variety. In addition, granite and sandy soils give the wine lifted aromatics and bright acidity. The vineyard is farmed sustainably, without herbicides and with cover crops planted between rows to enrich the soil and encourage biodiversity.

Upon arrival at the winery, the Nebbiolo was destemmed and crushed. Fermentation with indigenous yeasts took place in stainless steel, with maceration on the skins lasting for 18 days with frequent plunging and foot treading. Luke uses a shorter maceration than would be traditional in Piemonte, in search of supple fruit and a very fine tannin structure. Following fermentation, the wine was transferred to used French and Slavonian oak foudres and aged for 18 months. The wine was then bottled without fining or filtration.

Since releasing his first wine in 2005, Luke Lambert has developed something of a cult following for his single-vineyard Yarra Valley Nebbiolo, described by Josh Raynolds (vinous.com) as “consistently among the best examples of the variety from the New World”.

https://www.lukelambertwines.com.au