d'Arenberg The Hermit Crab Marsanne/Viognier 2003
Rhone White Blends
from McLaren Vale, Australia
winemaker's notes:
Vintage 2003 in McLaren Vale produced fragrant, complex wines with great
length. This, our second Marsanne Viognier release, shows intense varietal
characters, which were gently enhanced by the use of our traditional basketpresses
and temperature-controlled fermentation.
Upon release, The Hermit Crab is a green, brilliant mid-straw color, and
exhibits fresh flower and tropical fruit aromas, with emphasis on, apricot and
white peach, as well as pear, pineapple, guava and mango. Added complexity
comes from a nutty touch. The youthful palate is immediately fruity, with
strong tropical and stone fruit flavors, leading to a very long finish.
This wine will mature into the medium-term, producing a rich, rolling,
generous and complex wine, balanced by long, clean, refreshing acidity.
Given time to prove its longevity, and most importantly, not served overchilled,
The Hermit Crab should show an intense, complex nuttiness, with an
emphasis on cashews and butterscotch, while still retaining a fragrant, mineral
character.
user reviews:
The top 3 most liked reviews for this wine.
A Customer - Seattle, WA
I've had the Hermit Crab from several different years and after 1-3 years of cellering and have thoroughly enjoyed it. It has wonderful tropical fruit without being cloying when young and great levels of acid and minerality when a bit older. The Viognier gives it a nice honeysuckle nose with hints of peaches. When young it pairs well with Chinese seafood, light curries (too hot and you might as well serve beer), and some pan-Asian fare (even notoriously difficult to pair with combinations involving certain types of greens). I wouldn't age it much more than 3-4 years though as it looses some of its charming fruit and bouquet with too much cellaring.
