Tahbilk’s relationship with the varietals that call France’s Rhone Valley home can be traced back to our earliest days with a good deal of fortuitous luck leading to the establishment of that connection rather than a grand plan looking ahead over 160 years!
Prior to taking possession of what would become the Tahbilk Estate, one of the directors placed an advertisement in the leading newspapers of Melbourne, Geelong, Adelaide and Sydney for 1,000,000 vines. This resulted in the Tabilk Vineyard Company (as we were known then) receiving around 600,000 vine cuttings, among which was the white ‘Rhone’ varietal, Marsanne.
Marsanne being the solo ‘Rhone’ whites’ flag-waver for the Estate ended in 1990 with the successful planting of Viognier and Roussanne.
Marsanne will always be the undisputed leader of this trio, but there is no doubt that each of these two relatively new Estate ‘Rhone’s’ are showing that they have too have admirably embraced their adopted homeland.
Enjoy Now to 2023/2024
This unambiguously fruit-forward Viognier release is another shining example of just why the winemaking team rate our 2021 Estate Whites so highly.
Heady rose petal, ginger spice and apricot notes are the first indication of the intensity to follow. The palate is all about ripe stone- fruits, bright citrus notes, more spice, and a vivacious acidity to wrap it all up.
Best enjoyed, young, bright, and fresh.
Don't take our word for it ...
“Gorgeous! Pretty, floral and tropical with some sway on the mid-palate perfectly in keeping with the variety.
The wonderful thing is that the acidity and minerality in this wine allows another sip, which can sometimes be challenging with the oily viscosity that is Viognier. Stonefruit, pineapple, mango, rose petals and ginger root.”
Life by the Drop | Subiaco Post, Perth
"Trademark ginger and apricot with lemon rind and orange zest citrus. Savoury, earthy wet sand and sweet clove spice.
Viognier's tendency to drift into waxy or flabby territory (though palate weight is still prevalent with plenty of varietal stone fruit flesh) is well held here with sharp and bright acidity. Fine and balanced through the finish. A very good example. 93/100"
vinonotebook.com
