Tahbilk, '1927 Vines', Nagambie Lakes, Marsanne

Notes of lemon, grapefruit, toast and classic honeysuckle weave through the rich and textured palate.

Producer Note

Established in 1860, Tahbilk is an historic family-owned winery, renowned for their rare aged Marsanne. Tahbilk is known as ‘tabilk tabilk’ in the language of the Daungwurrung clans, which translates as the ‘place of many waterholes’. It perfectly describes this premium viticultural landscape, which is located in the Nagambie Lakes region of Central Victoria. The estate comprises 1,214 hectares, including a seven mile frontage to the Goulburn River. Environmental sustainability is paramount at Tahbilk and in 2013 they became carbon neutral. In 2016, Tahbilk was awarded 'Winery of the Year' by James Halliday.

Vintage

The spring of 2011 was tropical and humid, requiring careful vineyard management. Nevertheless, the vines produced healthy, vibrant canopies. Summer and autumn were fine and dry, resulting in an early start to vintage. The whites show excellent varietal expression.

Vineyard

Tahbilk’s vineyards are grouped along the banks of the Goulburn River and an anabranch of it which flows through the estate. The water has a tempering influence on the climate. The vines are grown at approximately 134 metres elevation of gently undulating and flat terrain. The soils are sandy loam with ferric oxide content, which vary from very fine sand near the anabranch to denser loams on the plains. The grapes come from the single vineyard Madills 1927 block, where the vines planted prior to 1986 are on ARG rootstocks. They are trained on a single wire trellis with a mixture of head and cordon training, with cane and spur pruning. Tahbilk's vines are sustainably cultivated; composting and mulching takes place which improves soil health by promoting earthworm activity. Mulching helps to control weeds and conserves water, reducing vine stress.

Winemaking

The hand-picked grapes were handled semi-oxidatively; controlled amounts of oxygen were allowed which helped impart secondary flavours and texture to the wine. Fermentation took place with selected neutral and aromatic yeasts at cool temperatures and lasted for 20 days in stainless steel fermenters to enhance the purity of fruit. Made with naturally high acidity to support serious long-term ageing, it was matured in bottle for seven years.

Tasting Note

Complex aromas of mineral, lemon and orange citrus aromas are accompanied by fresh hay overtones. Zesty notes of lemon, grapefruit, toast and classic rich honeysuckle weave through the textured palate, beautifully balanced by vibrant acidity. Perfect with a creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken Picatta.

Grape

Marsanne 100%