2023 Luke Lambert Crudo Rosé
WINEMAKER: Luke Lambert
REGION: Yarra Valley, VIC
VARIETY: Shiraz, Nebbiolo
VITICULTURE: Organic
Sourced entirely from the granite-rich Denton vineyard, the 2023 Crudo Rosé is 95% Shiraz with a 5% lift from Nebbiolo off the same site. The vines have spent 16 years in these rocky soils, facing northwest from near the top of the cone-shaped slope. The fruit was pressed as whole bunches and fermented with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel tank. The wine completed malolactic conversion and was bottled unfined and unfiltered with minimal sulphur. From the cool, low-cropping 2023 season, we agree with Luke’s assertion that this is the most refined and perfumed rosé he’s made. It’s got a lot in common with the bright, red-fruited and fragrant 2022 but feels more vinous and savoury and shows a touch more elegance and mineral appeal. It’s got al fresco dining written all over it.
“Luke Lambert makes gorgeous, minerally chardonnays and perfumed, savory syrahs under the Luke Lambert label. The wines are fresh and energetic… They are the sorts of wines I love to drink—pure and unpretentious but with character and depth.” Eric Asimov, The New York Times
The 2023 vintage proved another excellent season for Luke Lambert and Rosalind Hall. Much like the preceding two years, La Niña’s cool theme has translated to elegant, aromatic and vibrant wines with immediate charm. “They’re perfumed with great acidity and structure and wonderful with food,” says Luke on the wines. “If you like classically styled Yarra Valley wines, the 2023s are going to make you very happy.”