Tahbilk’s standard Marsanne is one of the great retail bargains on Australian bottle shop shelves. Its devastating combination of early drinking appeal and the potential to generate wonderful complexity with age belies its meagre cost. Consistently high quality without the loss of desirable vintage variation. A lot of similarly priced wines could aspire to such achievements.
The 2011 expression is notable for a sustained finish and a delicate yet tenacious acid structure. Copybook honeysuckle is immediately evident with lime, soap, nectarine and talc in attendance as well. It builds throughout the line, touching on passionfruit before culminating in a honey accented finish with a hint of herbs. The rating refers to how it drinks now. I expect improvement with time in the cellar. Good
Region: Goulburn Valley
Alcohol: 11.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $17.75
Tasted: November 2011
+1
One of my favourite <$20 whites. I usually grab a few for drinking over summer, and few to squirrel away.
$13 a bottle from Tahbilk. Cheaper again to Tahbilk Wine Club members (no fee, no obligation to buy).
A lot of higher priced wines could aspire to such achievement.
Thanks Jeremy.
I often don’t prioritise this one in my years buying plans, but always get the 6 in after being reminded by folks such as yourself.
Tahbilk always seem to have some earlier vintages on release too, which enables a preview of the aged pleasures ahead!
Haven’t had this yet JP but big, BIG fan of the 2010 (especially for its each way, now or later drinkability). Did you like this more?
Cheers,
Chris P
Teddy – that’s a great approach. In the past I have probably consumed a few too many bottles that were meant for the cellar.
Paul – $13 borders on absurd for a wine like this (not that I’m complaining). The Tahbilk Wine Club is one of the few clubs I’m a member of. As you point out, no obligations and many worthwhile offers.
Via Collins – love it that you can get back vintages of Tahbilk Marsanne, often for a price similar to that of the current vintage.
Chris – I preferred the 2010 but would happily drink or cellar either. ’10 a better drink now proposition for mine. I suspect I’ll enjoy the ’10 more than the ’11 with age too but I look forward to trying them side by side in another six or so years.