Product Description
The 2023 Fletcher The Minion Nebbiolo is a stunning example of the unique expression that David Fletcher has perfected in Australian Nebbiolo. Hailing from the Yarra Valley, this wine showcases the signature profile of Nebbiolo, with ripe cherry fruit at the forefront, complemented by distinct herbal notes of gum leaf and hints of rosemary. The palate delivers a tannic structure that is both drying and firm, balanced by a touch of orange tang and a savoury edge that adds depth. As the wine evolves, it reveals a complexity marked by baking spices and a hint of nougat, leaving a long, sappy finish with a touch of tannin. With its elegance and natural acidity, this Nebbiolo from Victoria offers an impressive balance of power and finesse.
Maker
David Fletcher’s journey to producing exceptional Nebbiolo began in 2004, when his passion for this iconic Italian grape led him to Italy. Immersing himself in the traditions of Barbaresco and Barolo, he honed his craft and dedication to Nebbiolo, ultimately creating Fletcher Wines to blend his love for Italian winemaking with Australia’s unique terroir. By 2012, Fletcher settled in Barbaresco, where he continues to produce wines that reflect both the best of Italian tradition and Australian innovation.
Fletcher’s self-professed obsession with Nebbiolo has become the cornerstone of his winemaking philosophy. An Australian by birth, Fletcher’s journey to the Langhe hills of Piemonte was driven by an undeniable passion for Nebbiolo’s transcendent quality, and now, he calls Barbaresco home. Starting his winemaking career early, Fletcher didn’t inherit a winery or follow a family tradition—his passion for winemaking grew organically, alongside his love for the land and the grape variety he reveres. Today, Fletcher’s wines are a testament to his dedication, not only to Nebbiolo but to the unique expression it can have in both Italy and Australia. With the production of no more than 25,000 bottles annually, Fletcher Wines remains a highly sought-after, small-scale winery with a focus on quality over quantity. His ability to craft world-class Nebbiolo, alongside his expanding portfolio of wines, is a reflection of his ongoing commitment to pushing boundaries and continuing the exploration of this exceptional grape.
Philosophy
David Fletcher’s winemaking philosophy is built on a foundation of organic viticulture, sustainability, and the pursuit of both tradition and innovation. With a commitment to certified organic vineyards and sites in conversion, Fletcher is dedicated to cultivating healthier vines and creating a lower environmental impact. In response to the increasing monoculture in the Langhe, he has also invested in preserving biodiversity by owning land in forests, swamps, and grasslands, offsetting the land used for grape production.
Fletcher sees himself as fortunate to make wines in the Langhe, a region rich with winemaking history, but he values the freedom to deconstruct tradition and craft wines without boundaries. He embraces spontaneous ferments using the ‘pied de cuve’ method and works with old wood barrels to bring out the unique character of each wine. With a focus on small batches, no filtering or fining, and minimal intervention, Fletcher allows the wine to evolve naturally, reflecting both his passion and the distinctiveness of the terroir. Always searching for the best vineyards, Fletcher’s wines aim to capture a true sense of place and continue to push boundaries, crafting wines that are both innovative and a tribute to the land they come from.
Tasting Notes
Nose - Cherry, Gum Leaf, Cured Meats
Signature of Nebbiolo is here, but also Victoria too, cherry fruit spectrum with hints of rosemary and eucalyptus.
Palate - Sappy, Orange Tang, Dark Cherry
The palate is drying and quite tannic, with a certain savouriness and firmness.
Finish - Gummy Tannins, Savoury, Baking Spices
A little nougat and spice, a sappy and orange juice tang, a little drag of tannin and a pretty decent finish.
(2016) Signature of Nebbiolo is here, but also Victoria too, with plenty of gum leaf and such. Cherry, a little nougat and spice, a sappy and orange juice tang, a little drag of tannin and a pretty decent finish, albeit slightly sour-edged with gummy tannin. Nice drink mind you. Has appeal. - Gary Walsh, The Wine Front.
(2015) Youthful and just mid crimson. Proper Nebbiolo nose with hints of rosemary and eucalyptus. Wonderful, light crunchy tannins and wonderful lightness and freshness on the finish. - Walter Speller, Jancis Robinson.
(2016) Medium to light red colour with a brick tinge. The aroma is herbal with a tinge of greenness, and a meaty reductive edge. The palate is drying and quite tannic, with a certain savouriness and firmness, but just a bit lacking in the charm department. - Huon Hooke, The Real Review.
The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Nebbiolo
Country - Australia
Region - Victoria
Vintage - 2023
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 13%
