The hermit crab Viognier Marsanne 2023
McLaren Vale, Viognier (55%) Marsanne (45%)
The Name
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
was the Hermit Crab, a reclusive little
crustacean that inhabits the cast-off shells
of others. The Osborn family thought the
name appropriate for this, McLaren Vale’s
first ever blend of Viognier and Marsanne.
“Hermit” is also an abbreviation for the
French appellation where the Marsanne
grape variety dominates.
The Vintage
The cool, wet 2022 winter filled the subsoil,
while spring’s heavy rainfall impacted yields.
Shaded basal buds and reduced fruitfulness
from the previous season resulted in small
yields. Mild, dry summer caused late
veraison. Despite a week of intense heat
in February, most vines survived. Riesling
started three weeks late, and McLaren
Vale Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc
ripened with low yields due to the heat wave.
Autumn was mild, and red grape harvest
followed McLaren Vale Chardonnay, with
variable, mostly low yields. Fiano, Marsanne,
Roussanne, and Viognier ripened alongside
the reds. Only 100 tonnes of red varieties
remained by Easter, with low yields in
Adelaide Hills Chardonnay and Pinot. Dry
white Chardonnay vineyards were used for
sparkling wine, promising a great year.
Harvest dates
Residual sugar
21 Mar – 3 Apr
5.2 g/l
The Winemaking
Small batches of grapes are crushed
gently and transferred to stainless steel
basket presses. Fermentation is long
and moderately cool to retain fresh fruit
characters. About 4% underwent wild
fermentation for extra complexity. 14% of
the Viognier is fermented in aged French
Oak to add mouth feel and support the
subtle Viognier tannins. The Marsanne
component received similar treatment, but
was not blended until the final stages of the
winemaking process.
The Characteristics
One of the most surprising white blends
shines again. Vibrant translucent green to
gold colour. Extremely fragrant on the nose
with a floral mix of jasmine and tropical
fruits where pineapple and nashi pears are
complemented with a scent of chamomile.
On the palate there is an array of intense
stone fruits with apricots, nectarines and
white peach. The finish is fresh and well
balanced, complemented by a unique and
exotic spicy candied ginger that makes this
wine irresistible. Lovely by itself but also
a perfect companion to seafood and Asian
cuisine in general. Absolutely a high quality
wine for its price range

Marsanne,

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