This is a fabulous find that will not break your bank but tastes great.  It’s made from Marsanne grapes that are sometimes called ‘Ermitage’ because they originated in France’s Rhone Valley and were used in white Hermitage wines.  These days, Marsanne is grown mostly in southern France as well as the US (California and Washington states) and, as in this case, Australia.

Marsanne was first grown in Australia back in 1860 and the Nagambie Lakes region was one of the first places vineyards with Marsanne grapes were established.

This wine is a medium lemon colour with legs and the nose is clear with medium plus aromas of pronounced beeswax, honey, hay, wet wool and wet rocks.  In fact, it’s downright Chenin-like.

The palate is dry with medium body, average acidity, lower alcohol and medium plus flavours that include honey, beeswax, quince, ripe Meyer lemon and more wet rocks.  It has a great finish.

Acidity is often an issue for Marsanne-based wines, but even though this is only medium, it doesn’t flatten out but rather it lingers.  This is well made, balanced and relatively complex for such a reasonably priced wine.

Hold for 3-5 years to extract further honeyed notes.   WSET Very Good.