2011 Allegra Chardonnay
96 Points - Halliday
MUSEUM RELEASE - STOCK IS LIMITED!
The Fruit for the Allegra Chardonnay was sourced entirely from the historic Rebenberg Vineyard on Mount Duneed, an area first planted with vines in 1858. The premium fruit comes from over 35 year old vines yielding less than one tonne/acre, and was hand-picked at 13.2 Bé and pH 3.25. Fruit was whole bunch pressed and run into 100% new French oak puncheons (450-500L) without prior clarification. Fermentation occurred with indigenous yeast. Following the end of fermentation, malolactic fermentation occurred in barrel with natural yeasts. Wines were left in barrel on gross lees for a further 15 months prior to marriage and bottling. Extended bottle maturation of this wine will allow the tight complex character of this wine to develop.
Fine acidity and complex spice on the nose, this Chardonnay is clearly built to last. The oak is well integrated and the fruit encompasses the complex structure making this a wine that is a delicious drink now, but one that we can’t wait to see in a few more years.
"A re-release of the 2011 Allegra Chardonnay, which is part of a program to celebrate 30 years of Lethbridge in 2026. A luminous green gold. Very complex with aromas of quince, dried honey and grilled cashew and a little crème brûlée. Very fresh on the medium-bodied, chalky textured and long, satisfying palate. Feels both complete and ready" 96 Points, Halliday, 16th May 2025
"Tasting this alongside the 2013 vintage, and it’s great to see vineyard/house style thrown up against vintage character. Love both of them. Terrific wines.
Rich nectarine and lime with flowers, oatmeal, sandalwood and spice – a musky exotic perfume – spent matchsticks cast aside. Full flavoured with gloss and savoury cashew richness, but tight limey acidity courses through its veins to thrilling effect, and the flint and quartz plays out on a superb long and gently honeyed finish. It responds beautifully to air, though it tastes so good it’s a battle keeping it in the glass long enough. What a wine!" 96 points, Gary Walsh, The Wine Front
