2005 d'Arenberg "The Stump Jump" South Australia McLaren Vale 13.5%alc.
Riesling 63%, Sauvignon Blanc 20%, Marsanne 10%, Roussanne 7%
Part of the back label reads:
"Since 1912 the Osborn family has tended the 19th Century vineyard at their d'Arenberg winery located in McLaren Vale, Southern Australia.
The land for many of the regions old vineyards was originally cleared using a 'stump jump' plough, the South Australian invention which enabled the ploughshare to jump over the gnarled 'mallee' Eucalyptus roots, saving valuable time and resources..."
This is quite an interesting/odd foursome. I don't personally identify with Marsanne or Roussanne-- I've never tasted either in a respective manner, unblended. However, from what I can taste with what I am familiar with, it seems quite obvious to me who the star performers are in this wine-drama. And even with only a co-starring role, the SB has tremendous influence here. The nose is a little perfumy-herbaceous-grassy-fruity as one might expect with this combo, but not necessarily an intense bouquet, just--- "there". On the palate-- this is where the intensity is --very bright and puckery-acidic (how could it NOT be), Granny Smith apple, gooseberry, tart citrus with light/med. body. Finishing off it's got a bit of an herby-bitter nuance but I would NOT call it vegetal. Although not necessarily complex, overall it's quite zippy and refreshing.
Count on the Aussies to throw together a rebel-combo like this one, although it appears as though their adventuresome antics is paying off; I hear this one is quite popular here in the states. Anyhoo, until next time-- "Cheers"!
P.S. Anyone have any recommendations for a Marsanne or Roussanne based wine to get me initiated?