Marsanne

Marsanne was one of the first varieties planted to our Descendant vineyard in 1994 and the distinctive varietal aromas of this premium fruit have been subtly enhanced with barrel fermentation, creating a textured, elegant wine style.

Marsanne is a key component of the Northern Rhone’s Hermitage Blanc and it’s always been our intention to showcase this varietal with a single vineyard expression.

The exceptional purity of fruit is completely reliant on the narrow window of ‘optimum ripeness’ and each row was assessed daily in the lead up to picking.

Current Vintage 2023

The 2023 growing season brought above-average rainfall in winter and spring and a cooler summer. The majority of the harvest took place in the colder months, and most vineyards were not harvested until April, approximately one month later than usual. Cooler seasons can pose several challenges, but through our dedicated commitment to viticulture practices, such as hand pruning and harvesting with careful soil management, the vintage resulted in low-yielding and resilient fruit. The upside, however, to a cool season is far greater, and producers and wine enthusiasts alike hold these seasons in high regard.

Current Vintage 2018

An above average winter rainfall led into a below average spring and summer rainfall, producing small bunches and small berries, leading to a reduced yield. Quality was certainly high, particular amongst our red varieties of Shiraz, Grenache and Mataro. 2018 wines will be remembered for their impressive colour, structure and longevity.

Current Vintage 2016

Despite a dry winter, rains in January and March, 2016 freshened the older vines and provided long, slow ripening periods in between, which led to a stand-out vintage with high-quality fruit.

Current Vintage 2015

This unique small batch was hand-picked early in the morning and immediately pressed and settled overnight in tank. This enabled the juice to stay very cool, and from here it was fed directly into second fill French oak barriques, previously used for our Viognier. The barrels were left to undergo natural, indigenous ‘wild’ yeast ferment and this contributes to the distinctive fruit aromas and flavour characteristics. The barrels then underwent a slow fermentation on lees and were only racked once prior to bottling in late December 2015.

$55.00

Size

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Marsanne Vintages

2023 - tasting notes and reviews

Get a detailed breakdown of the Marsanne 2023 vintage.

Download the winemaker's Tasting Notes

2018 - tasting notes and reviews

Get a detailed breakdown of the Marsanne 2018 vintage.

Download the Winemaker's notes

2016 - tasting notes and reviews

Get a detailed breakdown of the Marsanne 2016 vintage.

Download the Winemaker's notes

2015 - tasting notes and reviews

Get a detailed breakdown of the the Marsanne 2015 vintage.

Download the Winemaker's notes