Winemaker Notes
Aromas of white peach, pear, and green melon on the nose. The palate is textural and spicy, with flavors of honeydew melon, just ripe stone fruit and pickled ginger. It finishes slightly phenolic, adding some pleasing, mouth-watering grip to the back palate. Viognier 84%, Marsanne 16%
Professional Ratings
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Decanter
Fragrant and floral this bright McLaren Vale blend has been crafted using various different fermentation methods; 4% is ‘wild’, 15% of the Viognier is fermented in aged oak to add body and texture. The result is a punchy, fruit-driven wine with tinned pineapple and ripe mango, white pepper spice and ginger all stitched together with a pithy acidity. Tremendous value for money.
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.