Tahbilk Marsanne 2009
Nagambie Lakes, Victoria
Tahbilk has a recently reached a milestone that only a few other Australian wineries can claim, their 150th Anniversary. A visit to the cellar door will affirm that this is indeed a very special place with an overwhelming sense of place and heritage. After wending your way through some of the gnarliest vines (in the truest sense of the word) to be seen anywhere in the country, not only are the winery’s historic buildings unique and picturesque but a visit to Tahbilk could not be complete without a visit to their wetlands. When you visit, plan to spend the day and you will not be disappointed.
Tahbilk has a well earned reputation for their red wines, particularly for their Shiraz. However, the Marsanne continuously proves that it should not be relegated to the back bench with the often forgotten ‘alternative’ odd-bod varietals of Australia.
The 2009 Marsanne has the taut minerally backbone of a prima donna. This is not a flouncy tutu of a wine, but an elegantly medium bodied and texturally refined wine. One with plenty of pert spicy pear, honeysuckle and zesty lemon character and a crisp finish that is satisfyingly long and fine.
It is a wine that you can enjoy while it is young. But why rush it. This wine can live in the cellar for up to a decade and take on the mantle of maturity with depth and grace, as the 2002 vintage that is also available at cellar door can attest too. And since this wine is so outrageously priced, stock up now.
A wine to drink with steamed Barramundi or Monk fish tails topped with fresh herbs from the garden.
Distribution: Widely distributed
Value: $15.65
© Lisa Johnston April 2010
Wine Diva Wines of the Month, May 2010
