2022 Massena Surly Muse, Gomersal Barossa Valley

A light straw yellow hue and a bouquet of ripe peach, exotic spices, and honeysuckle. A medium weighted palate, filled with ripe stone fruits as the nose suggested and hints of spices adding character. Good length, a touch of grip towards the finish but a sweetness lingers 13 Jan 2023 Drink 2023–2027

88 points Stuart Knox therealreview.com

Massena Surly Muse from Gomersal in the Barossa Valley is a textural, unconventional white that plays by its own rules. Think Rhône-inspired, skin-contact, barrel-aged goodness—made with flair and a sense of fun. It’s a blend of Viognier, Marsanne, and Roussanne, crafted to deliver layers of flavour, grip, and wild aromatic charm, all while remaining seriously drinkable.

The grapes come from the red clay soils of Gomersal in the western Barossa, where warm days and cool nights help build richness without sacrificing freshness. True to Massena’s low-intervention style, the fruit is hand-picked, wild fermented with skin contact, and aged sur lie (on lees, hence the "Surly") in seasoned French oak. No fining, no filtration—just personality in a bottle.

On the nose, it’s fragrant and lifted—orange blossom, ripe apricot, lemon zest, and honeysuckle with a flicker of almond and ginger spice. The palate is generous and layered, with stone fruit, preserved lemon, waxy texture and a grippy phenolic edge from the skins. It’s savoury, slightly wild, and finishes with real freshness.

Perfect with roasted cauliflower, spiced chicken, Moroccan tagines or even creamy pastas with mushrooms and sage. This is not your average white—Surly Muse is for drinkers who like a little funk, a lot of flavour, and a wine that keeps you thinking.