With 2011 producing an atypical standard Tahbilk Marsanne and having somehow missed out on tasting the 2012 release it feels something like being welcome back into the fold pouring a glass of the 2013. It’s in tip-top form.
Wickedly fragrant. Honeysuckle, citrus, orange oil and orchard fruits. Maybe even a hint of bath-salts. Juicy and generous with a lovely line of acid following the flavours as they traipse with confidence across the palate. There’s just a touch of spice and plenty of length. Has the core of fruit and the structure to enable cellaring but although it will evolve and develop greater complexity and different characters it’s hard to imagine it being anymore delicious than it is right now. Hats off to Tahbilk. 92
Region: Nagambie Lakes
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $18
Tasted: September 2013
They are amazing wines, the Tahbilk Marsannes, Jeremy. They really do evolve and develop really interesting facets. The 1996 version I am still enjoying is testament to that. I guess it really does depend on what rings your bells.
It’s a big factor for sure Geoff. I’ve tasted some excellent examples from the 90s amongst quite a few victims of oxidation. I can certainly see the appeal and the quality of the wines. It’s great to see them under Screwcap now I reckon. I’d be the first to admit that my growing exploration of Rhone whites (Tahbilk were an introduction, and I’m grateful to them) has had a significant impact on what I seek out these days – and that doesn’t make me right. It’s just a perspective. In ten years time there’s every chance it will change again. That’s one of the major reasons I love wine.
However long this site continues it will be a journey. I hope I don’t become inconsistent from week to week but I also hope it charts the evolution of my taste in a balanced and fair manner. That’s pretty much my aim.
Cheers
J
Well, so far by my estimation, you are placing your darts in the vicinity of the bullseye, Jeremy.