Goulburn Valley ?% Cork $?- Tasted 9/9/09
Wow, didn’t realise I’d uncorked this 1999 Marsanne on a date full of 9s. How random? How Bizarre? Anyway, it was quite an experience. I was praying the cork gods would be kind to me and they were. The seal was good, no TCA and surprisingly little seepage.
A deep orange gold colour, it smelled of apricots, peaches, oranges, honeysuckle, lemon with a touch of ginger and herbs. The palate had moved on from the primary fruits, with an entry of intense marzipan, soap and lavender followed by honey and citrus. The mid palate was driven more by orange oil and orange peel and marmalade leading to toasty notes and a beeswax & orange finish with stonefruit elements.
The acidity and structure were remarkably in tact. It all somehow reminded me of being kissed by a Granny, but one that you actually like, and who doesn’t pull your cheeks.
A simply fascinating wine. I hope all my experiences with aged Marsanne are this agreeable.
Winery Website- http://www.mitchelton.com.au/Mitchelton.aspx