Tahbilk Goulburn Valley Marsanne, 1992

This deep amber colored white wine is a curiosity. The grapes come from some of the oldest Marsanne vines in the world, taken from grafts from the Hermitage area of the Northern Rhone. As White Hermitage or as Australian Marsanne, it is a wine made for long aging. And, at 18 years of age, this bottle is a delight to drink.

The deep color is bound to elicit some doubt. But I have detected a similar color for many years, through the transparent bottle and in previously opened bottles. A decade ago I also found oxidized smells and flavors and did not find the wine very pleasant to drink. Not so, tonight. Beautifully ripe apricots and peaches, honey toast, mushrooms, hazelnuts and dried fruits. Wow! Smells and tastes like an aged dessert wine but it is bone dry. Very rich texture but very little acidity. Medium finish. This wine is unique but not for everyone. 

Tahbilk's vintage chart lists it as drinkable but in decline with a suggested value of $45.