2023 Luke Lambert Crudo Rosè, Yarra Valley

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.