d'Arenberg The Hermit Crab Viognier Marsanne 2006
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Many of McLaren Vale's vineyards are on free-draining soils underlain with limestone, formed by the calcareous remains of the local marine fauna. One such creature is the Hermit Crab, a reclusive little creature that inhabits the cast-off shells of others. The Osborn family thought the name appropriate for this 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 to support growth in the 2006 vintage without irrigation. The cool temperatures experienced were ideal for white grapes, producing fragrant wines with racy natural acidity. Traditional basket pressing was employed for gentle extraction of flavor from these grapes. The Marsanne was fermented in tank to retain its fresh, herbaceous characters, while a portion of the Viognier was fermented in barrel for additional complexity.
The cooler year is reflected in a mineral nose with notes of fresh runner beans, green tropical fruits and nectarine 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."
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d'Arenberg is one of the undisputed kings of Australian Shiraz and other Rhone varieties that have historically defined the region. A century on, their vineyards have grown to some 450 acres in McLaren Vale, including Shiraz dating back to d'Arenberg's first plantings in 1912, and nearly one-third of McLaren Vale's old bush-vine Grenache. Fourth generation winemaker, Chester Osborn, recently converted all of the family's vineyards to organics and biodynamics and moved to solar energy in the winery. All the while, in terms of winemaking, not much has changed--all the wines are basket-pressed, the reds foot-trodden during fermentation; everything is done in small batches, leading to an impressive array of bottlings every year, each showing a different facet of McLaren Vale terroir. Having been inducted into Wine & Spirits Magazine's Hall of Fame for earning a place on its Top 100 Wineries nine times, this accolade is a reflection of d'Arenberg's revered reputation worldwide.
Full-bodied and flavorful, white Rhône blends originate from France’s Rhône Valley. Today these blends are also becoming popular in other regions. Typically some combination of Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier form the basis of a white Rhône blend with varying degrees of flexibility depending on the exact appellation. Somm Secret—In the Northern Rhône, blends of Marsanne and Roussanne are common but the south retains more variety. Marsanne, Roussanne as well as Bourboulenc, Clairette, Picpoul and Ugni Blanc are typical.
Known for opulent red wines with intense power and concentration, McLaren Vale is home to perhaps the most “classic” style of Australian Shiraz. Vinified on its own or in Rhône Blends, these hot-climate wines are deeply colored and high in extract with signature hints of dark chocolate and licorice. Cabernet Sauvignon is also produced in a similar style.
Whites, often made from Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc tend to be opulent and full of tropical, stone and citrus fruit.