Eldridge Estate is one of the leading Mornington Peninsula producers. In addition to the typical Peninsula duo of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, it also makes a Gamay, as well as a Burgundy-inspired Gamay and Pinot Noir blend, called PTG in homage to Bourgogne Passetoutgrains.
Gamay, the grape of Beaujolais isn’t seen very widely outside of its region of origin and the Loire Valley. This example (together with Beechworth’s Sorrenberg) suggests that there could be a good future for the variety in Australia’s cool climate regions.
The wine possesses a lovely bouquet of tilled earth, truffle and lilac. The palate is dry, savoury and elegant, a lick of cool tannin suggesting that there is upside cellaring potential. Anyone acquainted with the sturdier Beaujolais Crus (Morgon and Moulin-a-Vent come to mind) would find a lot to like here. This is a serious example of a much under-rated variety, in quality terms more than an equal to the growing number of ambitious wines from Beaujolais.
2012 GAMAY
Producer: Eldridge Estate
Variety: Gamay
Vintage: 2012
Region: Mornington Peninsula
ABV: 13.5%
Closure: Screw cap
Retail Price: $38.00
Date tasted: 23 November 2013
Tasting Note:
Medium garnet. Intriguing nose of lilac, freshly tilled earth and truffle. Medium bodied, dry and savoury, earthy, red fruits, nice lick of tannin, bright balanced acidity. Serious Gamay! Top drawer material that is the match for any Cru Beaujolais.
Score: 17/20
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