Dominique Portet LD Brut Rose, Yarra Valley

Has a straw pink hue with good mousse, the hand-picked blend 60/40% pinot noir/chardonnay, 90% from 2020, 10% reserve wines dating back to 2012. It spent 24 months on yeast lees and was given a light dosage of 5g/L. It has focus and intensity, bright fruit and terrific length. Arguably the best value of the Australian contingent.

95 points Special Value James Halliday winecompanion.com.au

Dominique Portet LD Brut Rosé from the Yarra Valley is an elegant, refined sparkling wine that captures both French tradition and Australian finesse. Winemaker Ben Portet, the ninth generation of a storied Bordeaux winemaking family, continues his father Dominique’s legacy of crafting sparkling wines that blend Champagne-inspired precision with the cool climate beauty of the Yarra Valley. The “LD” stands for Late Disgorged, reflecting extended lees ageing that imparts remarkable complexity, texture and depth.

The wine is made predominantly from Pinot Noir with a touch of Chardonnay, sourced from select high-elevation vineyards in the Upper Yarra. Grapes are hand picked and whole bunch pressed, with only the finest cuvée juice used. Secondary fermentation takes place in bottle following the traditional méthode traditionnelle process, and the wine spends several years on lees before late disgorgement to develop its signature creamy richness and brioche-like character.

In the glass it shimmers a delicate pale salmon with a fine, persistent bead. The aroma is expressive and elegant, offering wild strawberry, redcurrant and citrus blossom layered with notes of almond, brioche and flint. On the palate it is dry, silky and beautifully balanced, combining red berry fruit and blood orange with subtle pastry and mineral tones. The extended lees ageing gives a luxurious mouthfeel and a lingering, savoury finish of extraordinary length.

Dominique Portet LD Brut Rosé pairs beautifully with oysters, smoked salmon, duck, or creamy cheeses. It’s also perfect for celebrations, aperitifs or refined dining. While ready to enjoy now for its harmony and richness, it will continue to evolve gracefully over the next decade, gaining more autolytic and nutty depth.