Wonderfully clever Geelong Pinot: Lethbridge Pinot Noir 2012

Lethbridge Pinot Noir 2012 (Geelong, Vic)
12.5%, Screwcap, $42

This is a triumphant wine, from a winery doing very good things.

The eternal challenge with Pinot Noir is to balance ripeness with delicacy, and this Lethbridge nails it. Sure, it carries the meaty, bacon bit edged brawn of a warm vintage, yet it’s still fresh, spicy, cherry/raspberry accented and utterly mid-weight.

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That balance is structural too, with the plenty of fruit sugar ripeness giving generosity and fullness, even despite the low alcohol. It tastes warmer than 12.5% for that matter, though nothing looks out of place.

Ultimately this is deceptively powerful and quite complex, meaty Pinot Noir of some intrigue.
Seriously impressive.

Source: Sample
Tasted: July 2014
Drink: 2014-2018 – I’d drink it sooner rather than later methinks.
Score: 18.5/20, 94/100
Would I buy it? I’d share a bottle. That would be enough.