2022 Alkimi Marsanne, Yarra Valley

One of the few Marsanne vineyards in the Yarra Valley, the tiny site was planted in 1994 and as of last year Stu now leases and manages the vineyard. The site is very special sitting at the base of the Dandenong Ranges.  Smatterings of quartz derived from volcanic activity 373 million years ago which formed the ranges can be found in the vineyard. The soil type is is a grey loam over yellow clay with limestone and granite scattered through. This incredibly complex makeup contributes to the unique quality of the fruit. The site produces fruit with the classic blossom and marzipan aromatics but also a distinct citrus and orchard fruit component. Acidity is always retained well and the resulting wine is powerful holding up to an oak regime featuring 20-30% new oak.

The appearance is pale straw. White peach skin, pear, mandarin, and notes of citrus blossom are present in the aroma. There are also tones of almond meal and dried basil. The palate is delicate but rounded with texture and has tones of white musk, peach, beeswax, orange zest and marzipan. There are chalky phenolics and a long lime-driven finish which carries a subtle struck-match funk.

The perfect seafood wine; match this with natural oysters with Thai dressing or Patagonian Toothfish with a miso-butter sauce. Although drinking well as a young wine, this wine shall reward careful cellaring for 5 years from vintage.