Gilbert Family Wines is a true rarity – an affordable, high quality wine producer who absolutely knocks the value stakes out of the park and gets excellent reviews from various wine journalists. For once, we are in agreement!
Six generations of Gilberts have been in the business, the wines now made by Will Gilbert, of young Gun of Wine fame, which is where we first encountered them. I try and get to the Young gun tastings, as something always compels the taste buds – most recently, three winemakers/producers; Andrew Pirie’s Apogee, Justin Folloso of Cave Wines and of course Will Gilbert of Gilbert Family Wines.
Most wines come off the family’s extensive vineyards in Orange, but fruit is also sourced from Hilltops, and there’s a collaborative project with Angus Vinden from the Hunter Valley. This is an extremely modern enterprise, and I mean this in the best sense. Grapes and method are not taken for granted, and although all wine producers have to be pragmatic, technique is constantly being analysed for possible improvements and alterations. Maturing vessels of every age shape and description, fermentation temperatures and technique, picking dates, whole bunches, you name it, nothing is off the table to craft an excellent bottle of wine. And that is exactly what we’ve found, delicious, authentic wines at unbelievable prices.
Succulent, pulpy, deep and concentrated, and still maintaining freshness. Bright and vivid flavours of ripe citrus, passionfruit, blackcurrant, yellow peach, apricot, grapefruit and rockmelon. Weight and texture, you really feel like you’re getting something substantial and despite having all the hallmarks of the varietal, utterly delicious for those who preference something else. One of the best sauvignon blancs on the market, and the only one chilling in our fridge. Waters Wine Co
Classic chardonnay made in such a way that it’s impossible not to love. Spring jasmine, yellow peach, cashew, lemongrass, nectarine and preserved citrus. Pulpy, juicy and tangy, with a lovely fleshy mid palate, rich and full, yet so full of freshness, inviting glass after glass. Some new oak provides spice, and some angles to support the voluptuous palate. An absolute bargain, perfectly made. Waters Wine Co
So often too lean or too worked, Orange pinot noir has hit a sweet spot with Gilbert’s 2022. Pretty and floral, with savoury spices, hedge fruits, and tangy rhubarb, plum and English strawberry. Packed with flavour, mineral; lithe and sleek. It’s not silky, there’s too much texture, and for all its lightness, there’s plenty of weight and flesh. A thoroughly complete, and accomplished pinot noir. Waters Wine Co
Tasting Gilbert’s 2016 Museum Release Chardonnay and Riesling was a particular treat, coming soon after our first tasting ever of their wines. They are in perfect condition, sleeping under screwcap as they have been, and they could sleep in a little longer if desired.
This set is a great example of the ridiculous value that you can still find in Australian wine. Chardonnay cellars better than most people think. We routinely pull out 10 year old examples, not all grand, and they are almost always well worth the wait. Riesling will age, and currently the 2016 Gilbert’s in a sweet spot, where it will be for the next twelve months or so, before shutting down again. Buy this set to drink now, or at least soon, not that there’s any hurry, they’re just so damn delicious!
Gilbert Museum Release Riesling 2016
Closer in style to the Rieslings of Frankland River than to the Clare or Eden Valley. Rich and full bodied, sleek and streamlined, with the colour of golden hay. Super fragrant, with sweet fruit and savoury notes. Fresh, zest and preserved lemon and lime, grapefruit, yellow peach, cherry, mustard seed, curry leaf, yellow flowers and kaffir lime. Pulpy, succulent and textured, with traces of burnt butter and cream, with cutting, zippy acidity. Glistening, glittering, all the elements interwoven and balanced. Rumbling power, that gathers weight and length across the palate, the finish lasting minutes. A V8 of a Riesling just starting on its very long journey. Waters Wine Co
Gilbert Museum Release Chardonnay 2016
Tasting the 2022, a thoroughly complete wine, impeccably made and utterly delicious, alongside the 2016 Museum Release, you get a real sense of the quality of Gilbert wines and their age worthiness. I’m quite sure the 2022 will age along similar lines and last a good 15 years, if not longer. The 2016 is mature, but only just, with dark yellow fruits of pawpaw, yellow peach, mango and pineapple. Rich and full bodied, round yet railed and sleek. White bread, fresh butter, savoury spice and crushed nuts. Gosh what a wine, so detailed and layered, effortlessly structured and incredibly drinkable. A bottle I never tired of drinking, every sip a little different from the last. Waters Wine Co
