The 2008 Hermit Crab is a Rhône style blend of 58% Viognier and 42% Marsanne. The wine exudes aromas of fresh tropical fruit, green melon, pear and dried herbs. Nectarines, quince and almond kernel characters are evident on the palate, with a hint of lees character contributing complexity. The Viognier component offers the wine silky viscosity, while the Marsanne supplies balance and acidity. The close proximity of the vineyards to the coastal Gulf St. Vincent induces a beneficial cooling effect on the grapes. Remarkably, the grapes, once crushed, are pressed by d'Arenberg's 19th century basket-presses which ensure gentle extraction of the grape's delicate fruit flavors prior to fermentation.
Apricot, pink grapefruit, juniper berry, star anise, white flowers and white pepper.
One of the undisputed kings of Australian Shiraz and Rhône varietals, d'Arenberg has managed to turn individuality into an art form by doing a whole lot of little things differently. The original vineyards were established by Joseph Osborn in 1912 in the McLaren Vale region of South Australia. A century on, the estate has grown to 345 acres, and the mantle now rests with fourth-generation winemaker Chester Osborn. By maintaining a focus on traditional winemaking and nurturing their old-vine material, the Osborn clan has successfully established themselves as one of the country's leading producers of concentrated wines of character.
Roast chicken is classic comfort food and my recipe for Chicken with Rosemary and Lemon Salt will not disappoint, especially with this wine! The lemon reacts pleasantly to the viscosity of the wine while the herb plays with the fruity and spice character notes. Serve on a warm summer evening with a warm potato salad and a crisp green salad. Rest assured everyone at your table will praise your culinary skills.
Many of McLaren Vale's vineyards are on free-draining soils underlain with limestone, formed by the calcareous remains of the local marine fauna. One such creature is the Hermit Crab, a reclusive little animal that inhabits the cast-off shells of others. The Osborn family thought the name appropriate for this blend, as it is best enjoyed with shellfish and seafood dishes.
