2025 Yves Cuilleron St. Joseph Lombard Old Vine Marsanne, Rhone Valley

Yves Cuilleron has been one of the Northern Rhône's most influential winemakers since taking over his family's estate in 1987. Known for his thoughtful approach to the region's traditional varieties, he produces whites of wonderful texture and character. Lombard is his old vine Marsanne from Saint-Joseph, a wine that demonstrates just how compelling this often underestimated grape can be.

Sourced from mature vines on the steep slopes of Saint-Joseph, the 2025 captures Marsanne's natural richness while retaining the freshness and mineral character of the Northern Rhône. The old vines contribute concentration and depth, creating a white with a lovely balance between generous fruit and savoury complexity.

Pale gold with luminous straw highlights. Ripe pear, quince and yellow peach mingle with acacia blossom, toasted almond and a hint of beeswax. The palate is rounded and beautifully textured, with juicy orchard fruit, gentle honeyed notes and a subtle citrus lift. A touch of savoury spice and stony minerality carries through the long, softly nutty finish.

Try it with grilled Moreton Bay bugs and saffron aioli, roast cauliflower with brown butter and capers, or a creamy leek and mushroom pie. Its generous texture also makes it a terrific partner for pan fried barramundi with fennel and lemon.

Cellaring: Drink now to 2034. Marsanne's ability to develop honeyed, nutty complexity makes this a rewarding wine to cellar.