Lethbridge Menage a Noir Pinot Noir 2023
Extremely good value here, with consumers getting some pretty high quality Pinot in their glass for the price… Other Pinots at this price can be pretty soft, round, and simple. Not the case here – this shows an array of savoury tones, woven seamlessly amongst the fruit. It holds some weight and possesses real substance and character. A ‘no brainer’ as some may say. Ches Cook, FWC.
Ray Nadeson describes the Ménage à Noir Pinot Noir as “Lethbridge-lite”; we prefer to think of it as the opening act to this producer’s impressive suite of Pinot Noirs. It’s a blend of sites, but the lion’s share (75%) comes from Jack and Lois Doeven’s cool site in Drumborg (Henty). This low-yielding vineyard with well-established vines was planted in the 1980s and rooted in schist soils. The balance of the fruit comes from Geelong.
The destemmed fruit ferments in a combination of 5,00-litre open vats and 3,000-litre wooden fermenters; the fruit in the vats gets punched down, while the fruit in the wooden fermenters is pumped over daily. The wine then matures in a mixture of old and new (approximately 10%) French oak of various sizes (225/300/2,500 litres).
Bright, fresh and vibrant on the nose, it’s equally vivid on the palate. The signature Lethbridge energy and raciness are balanced nicely by perfectly ripe berry fruits, earthy spice and a crunchy, sappy and lasting close. A real winner, and fine value.
Wholesaler’s notes.