Port Phillip Estate Essay Gamay 2022

As the old Python team used to say, ‘and now for something completely different’. Gamay from the Mornington Peninsula. It seems that almost forever, Gamay has been seen as nothing more than wannabee Pinot Noir. Some pleasant fruit-forward wines, but never serious. And responsible for that once amazingly popular race, to bring forth the first Beaujolais Nouveau – I suspect those not around back then could not possibly imagine how excited the world (not just the wine world) got over the attempts to get this wine to the markets every November. But things have changed. Anyone following the new wave of Beaujolais from emerging producers will know just how thrilling this variety can be. Great to see some serious Gamay finally being made here. The fruit for this came from David Lloyd (Eldridge Estate), who has been the grape’s champion for many years. David sold up in 2022 and this was the last fruit from his reign. The wine saw nine months in a mix of older French oak. A lovely limpid purple colour. The aromas moved through dried herbs, freshly harvested beetroots, dark berries, root vegetables and a hint of woodsmoke. Alluring nose but we move to a more savoury style on the palate with focus and length. Enjoy now and over the next five years. Not second rate Pinot, this is first rate Gamay.