Lambert Estate:Check out an interesting experience at Lambert Estate!

Our initial introduction to Lambert Estates was not a positive one.  We had a group of 12 people placed in the back corner of a vacuous warehouse area of the restaurant – not in the main area.  It was apparent it was for overflow.  We were right on the heals of another group. The cellar door resource guiding us through the tasting had a bit of an attitude which didn’t really smooth out over the duration of the tasting. This post shares our wine tasting experience at Lambert Estate.

Background

You don’t have to go far from Adelaide to gain access to stellar wine in South Western Australia. First wine region of note is Barossa Valley. This warmer region characterized by the red varietal Shiraz and the white varietal, Semillon.  

East of Barossa Valley is Eden Valley.  This is where you’ll find premium Rieslings abundant with intense flavours.  This region is in a cool to moderate climate with varying altitudes used for the vines. You will also see Shiraz, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon grown in this region. 

South of Barossa and Eden Valley you have Adelaide Hills.  This is a more moderate climate and further south again you have McLaren Vale, which experiences afternoon breezes off the water. (ocean)

The above wine regions are all part of South Australia. 

Barossa Valley

The Shiraz of the Barossa Valley is intensely fruity, earthy, and with spicy notes.  They typically develop notes of leather as they age. The region itself is moving towards less extraction in the winemaking process.

The Semillon wines typically have low sugar levels with high acidity and are typically harvested early. They are produced in an inert vessel and they are light in alcohol and neutral in flavour.  When bottled, and with bottle age over time you see honey and toast developing.  This is more into the 20+ years. These Semillon’s are highly sought after.

The Vineyard cycle in the southern hemisphere is as follows: 

• Budburst: September to October 
• Early shoot and leaf growth:  September to November
• Flowering and fruit set: November to December 
• Veraison, and berry ripening: January to March 
• Harvest: March to April 
• Winter dormancy: July to September

Lambert Estates Wine Tasting

Apart from the warehouse feel, and the aforementioned attitude, there was plentiful wine an food for us on our visit. The pace of the tasting was good, as were the pours.

Ms Sunshine 2024 – Eden Valley Riesling

A pale yellow white wine, with aromas of lemon, grapefruit and violet.  On the palate those same notes are repeated.  Dry, high acidity, with medium minus flavour and finish.  An acceptable riesling.

First Kiss Rose 2024 – Barossa Valley

A pale pink rose.  Aromas of orange, raspberry and cinnamon.  On the palate additional notes of rose petal and sherbet.  This rose is made from 75% Zinfandel grapes, so there is a complexity to the taste that is very atypical.  Dry with high acidity.  An acceptable rose, but an acquired taste given the zinfandel influences.

The Commitment Shiraz 2018 – Barossa Valley (Lambert Estate)

This is a 100% Shiraz which has been aged 1/2 in French oak and 1/2 in American oak.  A deep purple in colour, this red wine has aromas of blackberries, vanilla, and toast.  On the palate additional notes of forest floor and black cherry.  Medium plus flavour and finish.  Dry with high acidity, medium plus tannins. This wine is very good and could easily cellar for about another 25 years.  

PS I Love You Petit Sirah 2020 (Lambert Estate)

This is a bold and unique offering, aged in French oak and Hungarian oak.  It is deep purple in colour.  Aromas of smoke, spice and blueberries are pronounced.  On the palate further notes of blackberries, and a resounding jamminess.  Dry, medium acidity with bold but balanced tannins and high alcohol this red wine has a pronounced flavour and finish but all in balance.  Outstanding, I wanted to drink the whole bottle.

The Chocolatier – MV Tawny

It smells like chocolate and tastes like chocolate with bold notes of vanilla and blackberry.  More a dessert offering than a port, it would be very good on ice cream.

Summary of Wine Tasting at Lambert Estate

As noted at the start, we were not initially that impressed.  Given different circumstances – a better table, less attitude from staff and a more varied lunch (pizza and salad and belgian style fries seemed an odd lunch) – I think we would have had a different and more positive experience.  The wine was very good, particularly the reds where they seem to excel. The restaurant menu looked very good and interesting.  Maybe give it a go but book a table for lunch and a tasting rather than being part of a group!

Check out our other wine experiences here!