Thick as Thieves Gamay 2022

Thick as Thieves, established in 2009 by winemaker Syd Bradford, is a boutique winery in Victoria's Yarra Valley. Known for its innovative approach, the winery focuses on crafting wines that highlight both varietal character and regional expression. The 2022 Gamay, sourced from the Levings vineyard, exemplifies this philosophy by delivering a fresh, lively, and textural expression of the variety.

The Levings vineyard, situated in the Yarra Valley, provides an ideal terroir for Gamay cultivation. The 2022 vintage benefited from favourable growing conditions, resulting in grapes that achieved optimal ripeness and balance. Minimal intervention winemaking techniques were employed to preserve the grape's natural characteristics, including fermentation with indigenous yeasts and maturation in seasoned French oak barrels.

Appearance: The wine exhibits a vibrant ruby-red hue with shimmering purple undertones, indicative of its youthful vitality and bright acidity. The colour is beautifully translucent, yet deeply saturated at its core, showing its varietal purity and gentle extraction. When swirled, the wine leaves fine, slow-moving legs along the glass, hinting at its supple texture and balanced structure. The clarity and brilliance in the glass reflect meticulous vinification practices, while the faintest touch of haze from minimal filtration showcases its natural winemaking approach.

Aroma: On the nose, the 2022 Gamay offers an enticing bouquet of red cherries, raspberries, and cranberries, complemented by subtle floral notes of violets. Delicate hints of white pepper and crushed herbs bring freshness, while a slight earthiness evokes damp forest floor and hints of wild mushroom. A whisper of crushed granite minerality lingers in the background, enhancing the wine’s aromatic complexity.

Taste: The palate is light to medium-bodied, showcasing bright red fruit flavours consistent with the nose. A lively acidity enhances the wine’s freshness, while fine-grained tannins provide structure. The mid-palate is juicy and layered, revealing subtle spiciness and a hint of black tea. The gentle oak influence adds depth without overpowering the wine’s primary fruit expression, keeping it vibrant and elegant.

Finish: The finish is clean, long, and refreshing, leaving lingering notes of crushed red berries, soft spice, and a delicate mineral edge. A subtle hint of white pepper and dried herbs adds nuance, while the fine tannins provide a gentle grip that extends the length of the wine. The balanced acidity ensures the finish remains bright and mouthwatering, making it a highly drinkable yet complex expression of Gamay.

Food Pairing: This Gamay pairs well with a variety of dishes. It complements roasted poultry, such as herb-crusted chicken, and is equally delightful with charcuterie boards featuring an assortment of cured meats and soft cheeses. Its versatility also makes it a suitable companion for grilled vegetable medleys or lightly spiced dishes such as lamb kofta with yoghurt dressing, where its acidity and spice integration elevate the dish.

The 2022 Thick as Thieves Gamay is a testament to the winery’s dedication to producing expressive and approachable wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Yarra Valley. With its balance of fruit purity, freshness, and elegant texture, this wine is perfect for both immediate enjoyment and short-term cellaring.