This is amazing! Nebbiolo is a difficult traveller – a grape variety that really struggles to perform well away from its Piedmont home. But Luke Lambert has created a new Australian classic here. It’s such a convincing interpretation of Nebbiolo, and it combines structure and beauty. I served it blind to some experienced tasters and they recognized it as Nebbiolo, but none of them thought it was Australian.
Luke has experience working in Piedmont, and it shows in this wine. It comes from two vineyards: the highland Jansz vineyard at St Andrews, with very rocky soils, and the granitic Denton vineyard. It was kept on skins for 40 days, and matured in old, large format oak.
Luke Lambert Nebbiolo 2012 Yarra Valley, Australia
13.5% alcohol. Wild yeast fermentation, no filtration or fining. This is a beautiful expression of Nebbiolo. Cherry red in colour with a hint of bricking (typical of the variety), it has fresh, focused aromatics of red cherries, plums and spice. There is real finesse here. The palate is fresh and focused with really grippy tannins (again, typical of the variety) under the pure red cherry fruit, with subtle touches of herbs and citrus peel. Very pure and linear, this is a sensational interpretation of this grape, combining sternness with beauty. 95/100
UK agent is Indigo Wine
1 Comment on Luke Lambert Nebbiolo, a new Australian classic
I have been in Australia for 6 years now (from the UK) and very much enjoyed the development of the high quality, niche producers during this time.
Vic Pinot; Cool climate Shiraz; Various Chardonnay regions…very high quality, and often reasonably priced. Now to have quality Neb coming through (Fletcher is good too) is great news – this wine is the best Australian example of this grape I have seen. The fact you are seeing these wines in the UK is amazing – keep up the good work (but don’t tell too many…or the prices will go up!).
Simon