Lethbridge Nadeson Collis Coda Brut NV

Disg. July 2023. 

“Wow. This is impressive. Wild. So nutty, savoury, whiffs of fino sherry, dried apple, faint farmhouse cider. Rich in the way it sits in the palate but with bright zing of acidity and very fine, light bubbles. Hugely nutty flavours too, more fino, maybe amontillado even, so complex, so interesting, rich, powerful statement in its way and so very delicious. An experience in the glass. Brilliant.” 96 points, Mike Bennie, The Wine Front

Coda is the seed that grew. Ray Nadeson and Maree Collis began their sparkling wine quest in 2003 with some Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the chilly Doeven site in Drumborg, Henty. Each year, they added to that original base wine, creating a perpetual blend that is now over 20 years old. Like many things at Lethbridge, the solera approach was born of organic evolution rather than a preconceived outcome, but it has become Lethbridge?s sparkling flagship and is one of Australia?s most strikingly unique sparkling wines.

The blend is predominantly Chardonnay, with small amounts of Meunier, Gris and Pinot Noir. Each draw-off removes enough for just 300 or so bottles, and the wine spends a further two years on lees before disgorgement with zero dosage. Unlike the other wines in the range, Ray sees little benefit in having Coda sit on lees in bottle for a long time. ?The solera goes back to 2003; the desired result from bottle aging has already been achieved in barrel over the last 20 years,? says Ray. ?The work has already been done.?