Lethbridge has produced a Nebbiolo from the Malakoff Vineyard in the Pyrenees near Landsborough for 10 consecutive years. This celebrated site—owned and operated by Cameron and Robert John—features a moderate slope first planted in 1997 at 300 metres with a well-sheltered northeast aspect. The soils are rich in red ferrous clay, with large amounts of ironstone and quartz littered throughout.
The farming doctrine at Malakoff mirrors that of Lethbridge, with sustainability and soil health as top priorities. Ray and Maree work closely with the Johns each year and are intimately involved in the decisions for their chosen blocks (they work with the same blocks and take 100% of the fruit) to ensure yields are kept low and the fruit is picked at optimal ripeness.
The 2019 release saw a long, cool fermentation on skins and extended maceration for 40 days (a total of 60 days on skins). The wine matured for 24 months in oak, the first year in puncheons and the second in foudre. The wine matured further in bottle for two years before release. By the way, the name, which translates to ‘birthday present’, dates back to 2013 when Maree sourced two tonnes of Nebbiolo from Robert John as a surprise for Ray’s birthday.