Lethbridge Allegra Chardonnay 2019

Lethbridge Allegra Chardonnay is a low-yielding, barrel-fermented Chardonnay from the historic Rebenberg vineyard.

Five years in bottle before release is unusual for Australian Chardonnay, and it is part of the design here. The fruit comes off gravel and quartz at Rebenberg in Mount Duneed, a site first planted in 1858, replanted in 1968 by Ken and Joy Campbell, and set to Chardonnay in 1981. Crops stay under 12 hectolitres per hectare. The 2019 was hand-picked and whole-bunch pressed to barrel for a wild ferment, completed malolactic conversion, and matured eleven months in new oak, which Ray Nadeson uses for the tannin it lends. It carries the name of his and Maree Collis's daughter.

Fully resolved on release, with citrus, nougat and ginger spice over a tight, chalky line and plenty of length. Serve at 12 to 13 degrees, in a decent glass. It suits scallops, roast chicken with lemon, a bowl of mussels or salty hard cheese.

*Every effort is made to ensure the current vintage is accurate; however, variations can occur. If you are after a specific vintage, please contact us prior to ordering.