The 2026 Lethbridge Pinot Gris is a distinctive cool-climate Victorian white made from fruit sourced predominantly from Henty, with a portion from Geelong. It shows pear, red apple and citrus alongside white flowers, spice and subtle honeyed notes. The combination of contrasting vineyard sites, including schist, clay, limestone and basalt over granite, gives the wine aromatic complexity and a fine mineral character. Small-batch winemaking and a mild 2026 vintage have helped preserve the wine’s expressive aromatics and natural freshness.
On the palate, it is medium-bodied and beautifully textural, with bright acidity supporting layers of pear, red apple, citrus and delicate stone fruit. Subtle ginger, spice, floral and savoury notes add complexity, while fine mineral and saline characters provide tension and length. Different batches received varying levels of skin contact, with some spending up to two days on skins, while wild fermentation and maturation on fine lees in foudre and large-format oak contribute additional breadth and texture. The finish is dry, long and persistent, with lively acidity keeping the richer elements fresh and balanced.
Ben’s Recommendation:
At Wine More Cellars, this is an excellent choice for Pinot Gris drinkers who enjoy a more textured, Alsatian-inspired Australian style rather than a simple, light Pinot Grigio. The combination of aromatic fruit, gentle spice, savoury texture and bright acidity makes it particularly versatile at the table. Best enjoyed over the next 3–5 years. Serve chilled with seared scallops, grilled prawns with lemon and herbs, roast chicken with fennel, pork belly with apple, Thai-style seafood, or mushroom and leek risotto.
