Lethbridge Allegra Geelong Chardonnay 2012

This sits on the cusp of greatness.

Sourced from the ultra low yielding Rebenburg vineyard at Mount Duneen, this was produced from handpicked grapes, whole bunch pressed to new oak, the natural ferment in barrel followed by 15 months maturation on gross lees in oak.

You can see that absolute pursuit of flavour too, in a wine that has almost too much going on. Too much ripe fruit, too much golden honey and butter oak, too much yeasty fullness. It all makes for a mighty mouthful of Chardonnay flavour, yet perhaps too chunky and without enough acid to be really refreshing.

Full-tilt Chardy, impressive for its concentration, just needing more restraint to be a super hero.

Details: 13.5%, Screwcap, $75
Tasted: February 2015, Sample
Best drinking: 2015-2017
Score: 18/20, 93/100
Would I buy it? Not quite, but I’d drink a glass.
Buy online: Lethbridge website