D'Arenberg Viognier Marsanne The Hermit Crab Mclaren Vale 2006

"Soft and charming. A beguiling mouthful of spicy pear and grapefruit flavors that linger with focus on the open-textured finish. Not as rich as pure Viognier, but better balanced. Drink now through 2010....90" WS Smart Buys 11/07

Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2007! Many of McLaren Vale's vineyards are on free-draining soils underlain with limestone, formed by thecalcareous remains of the local marine fauna. One such creature is the Hermit Crab, a reclusive littlecreature that inhabits the cast-off shells of others. The Osborn family thought the name appropriate forthis blend, as it is best enjoyed with shellfish and seafood dishes. Though winter 2005 was dry, heavy rains in spring saw adequate levels of moisture in most vineyards tosupport growth in the 2006 vintage without irrigation. The cool temperatures experienced read more...were ideal forwhite grapes, producing fragrant wines with racy natural acidity. Traditional basket pressing wasemployed for gentle extraction of flavor from these grapes. The Marsanne was fermented in tank to retainits fresh, herbaceous characters, while a portion of the Viognier was fermented in barrel for additionalcomplexity. The cooler year is reflected in a mineral nose with notes of fresh runner beans, green tropical fruits andnectarine stone. The tight palate displays an array of tropical fruits with quince, ginger and almond husks,and lees characters contributing complexity. Viognier is evident on the mid-palate with silky viscosity,while the Marsanne comes through on the back palate with nutty, olive stone and dried herb notes. Soft and charming. A beguiling mouthful of spicy pear and grapefruit flavors that linger with focus on the open-textured finish. Not as rich as pure Viognier, but better balanced. Drink now through 2010. Wine Spectator 90 Points    (hide)

Wine Spectator rating: 90

Just had it with crab, went with the convention, and it really was an amazing pairing. The gusty body with the hint of honeyed finish really carries the day.

February 2008

Rating: 94+ - As reviewed by International Wine Cellar

No written review

August 2009