D’Arenberg Hermit Crab Viognier Marsanne 2025

An intriguing blend based on these Rhone varieties, which is brilliant value. The team put 4% of the juice through a wild fermentation in order to enhance the complexity. 14% of the Viognier was fermented in older French oak for textural reasons. The Marsanne underwent a similar process and was blended with the Viognier towards the end of the winemaking. The fruit was from McLaren Vale. The final blend was 60% Viognier and 40% Marsanne. Maturation was for eight months. A deep gold/straw hue, the nose is delightfully fragrant with hints of apricot skins, stone fruits, ginger and lemongrass. Beautifully perfumed. The gentle, almost elegant nose morphs into something much more powerful on the palate. There is good length here with some serious intensity. The textural aspect is an undoubted highlight. Delicious drinking, fabulous buying and a wine which will continue to provide pleasure for the next four years at a minimum.