One of the varieties chosen by Eldridge Estate proprietor and winemaker David Lloyd when grafting over his Mornington Peninsula cabernet sauvignon was gamay. Having tasted the second vintage of Eldridge Estate Gamay, I share his view that it’s a grape that suits his terroir. While the ‘Nouveau’ style he made in 2000 for early drinking is showing signs that it’s number is up (which is hardly any surprise by now), the slightly more serious (but not too serious) Gamay 2000 (17.3, drink 2001) recently released after three months maturation in used French cooperage is rather drinkable indeed. Bright translucent cherry and tomato stalk fruit and candied raspberries match with scented rose petal aromas and warm alcoholic, fleshy textures. Chill it without fear and rediscover proper light red. To source this wine and to tell a still uncertain David Lloyd whether you prefer your Gamay in the ‘Nouveau’ or more settled style (the 2001 Nouveau will be out this July), hook onto the website www.eldridge-estate.com.au.
