2018 tasting notes – download pdf

Bellbrae Estate has named their premium wines after local Surf Breaks.  Local legend has it that the ‘Boobs’ surf break is named after Bobby ‘Boobs’ Johnson, who was given naming rights after being the first person to surf there in the early 1960s.  However, it also may be due to the shape of the cliffs surrounding the beach… Much conjecture still remains today.

Toasty oak aromas with ripe pineapple, papaya, candied ginger, cardamon, finger lime and Vietnamese basil.  The palate is balanced, complex and without heaviness.  An excellent wine to pair with foods such as white meats with cream sauces, seafood, green vegetables and mushrooms.

Continuing on from where the 2017 left off, the 2018 has elegance and fruit drive written all over the first sniff.  Lifted aromas of lime and citrus fruits are underpinned with a hint of cashew derived from the French oak maturation.  The first sip will discover more citrus fruit drive as well as a hint of lemon sherbet with an excellent acid line throughout the palate.  Again the subtle use of oak barrels gives the wine structure that the fruit characters and the creamy texture of yeast breakdown from  Battonage, can hang off.  Made to be enjoyed now, this wine will also reward the astute collector for 8-10 years.

“Hand-picked, whole-bunch pressed, matured in new French barriques (33% new) on lees for 7 months, 95 dozen made, less than five barriques. Citrus manifestations run throughout, complexed by cashew oak notes and a persistent line of acidity.  (…).”
James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion 2021

Bellbrae Estate

“Best Wineries of the Regions” + “5 black stars”

“The Surf Coast area of Geelong enjoys a slightly milder climate overall than other areas of the Geelong viticultural region. Being so close to Bass Strait, Bellbrae Estate experiences a maritime influence that reduces the risk of frost in spring and provides more even temperature ranges during summer – ideal growing conditions for producing elegant wines that retain their natural acidity.”
Halliday Wine Companion 2021