Download – Longboard Pinot Gris 2019
This small batch production of Pinot Gris has been made in the ‘French’ style to complement the Surf Coast region’s local cuisine.
Picked slightly riper to give richer flavours and a fuller mouthfeel, a portion of the wine was transferred to 2 and 3-year-old barrels shortly after fermentation and stirred fortnightly. Upon softening of the wine due to the breakdown of the yeast lees (battonage), the barrels were blended back with the wine in tank and again stirred with their lees. This has helped integration of the barrels and softening of the tank component
Swirl the glass and liberate a heady mix of jasmine, rose and gillyflower. The 2019 Pinot Gris is lustrous but delicate, smoky but airy. It has classic Packham pear, white peach and nectarine fruit with a dash of mimosa. A short period in French oak adds vanillin and texture, whilst a fresh drive of acidity gives the wine appreciable length on the finish.
“94 points + Special Value” 2018 Vintage
“This is a grapefruit with 750ml of attitude. It has power and intensity that spans all the non-aromatic varieties, the fruits of pear, peach and nectarine”
James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion 2020
“(…) has been handled deftly!” 2018 Vintage
“Sawdust and orchard fruits. There’s more smoke and savoury notes on the palate balanced with stone fruits and honeysuckle. Good length and drive, more worked than most of this variety but has been handled deftly!”
Stuart Knox, The Real Review, March 2020
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
