2025 Garagiste Le Stagiaire Gewurztraminer, Mornington Peninsula

Garagiste Le Stagiaire Gewurztraminer from the Mornington Peninsula is a wonderfully fragrant and textural wine that shows just how expressive this variety can be in a cool coastal climate. Barnaby Flanders crafts it with his usual precision and restraint, letting the fruit speak while keeping the style fresh, poised, and food friendly rather than overly rich. The vineyards in Merricks and surrounding slopes benefit from ocean breezes and long, even ripening, giving Gewurztraminer lifted aromatics and natural acidity.

The grapes are hand picked and whole bunch pressed, with fermentation carried out at cool temperatures in stainless steel and a small portion of older barrels. A short period on lees adds gentle weight and complexity without muting the fragrance.

In the glass it shows a pale gold colour. The aroma is beautifully perfumed with lychee, rose petal, white peach, spice, and a touch of citrus. The palate is supple and silky, showing juicy stone fruit and delicate tropical notes backed by fresh acidity and a soft mineral line that keeps the wine balanced and dry. There is just enough texture to give depth without heaviness, making it a more refined and elegant take on the variety.

It pairs beautifully with sushi, Thai salads, soft cheeses, lightly spiced curries, or dishes featuring ginger and lemongrass. Best enjoyed young for its perfume and freshness, though it will develop gentle honeyed notes over the next couple of years.