Reviews & Ratings

2016 d'Arenberg White Blends or Varietals "The Hermit Crab"

Winery: d'Arenberg

Vintage: 2016

Wine Name/Vineyard: "The Hermit Crab"

Wine Category: White Blends or Varietals

Grape blend: 72% Viognier & 28% Marsanne

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: McLaren Vale

State or country: Australia

Price: $17

Cases produced: 6,500

KWG Score: 87.8 (based on 5 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good (88)

Review date: January 19, 2019

Wine Review: This Viognier and Marsanne blend from down under is a golden yellow color. It opens with some light honeysuckle, wet stone notes and a hint of pear on the nose. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied and features lemongrass and pear along with some well-integrated minerality. The finish is dry with some pleasant, lingering acidity. We would pair this well-made wine with chicken piccata. - Stuart & Karen

Winemaker Notes: The Viognier certainly takes center stage on the nose in the guise of stone fruits, candied ginger and florals. Marsanne adds slightly more exotic notes of green mango, hay and almond. The palate has a lovely medium bodied weight to it, without any of that oiliness that over ripe Viognier can deliver. Precise acid throughout and a mild pithy texture on the finish ensure freshness and spice to keep the sweetness of the fruit in check. Fruity and spicy yet dry make this an all occasions wine.

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