2017, Tahbilk, ‚Museum Release‚ Nagambie Lakes Marsanne

Pungent and lifted, with honeysuckle and buttered toast on the nose leading to a rich, nutty, and honeyed palate brimming with lemon citrus and finishing with chalky mineral freshness.

About the Winery: Established in 1860, Tahbilk is an historic family-owned estate celebrated for its exceptional Marsanne ‚¬” the worldof largest single vineyard holding of the varietal. Some of these vines date back to 1927, making them among the oldest Marsanne vines globally. The name *Tahbilk* derives from the Daungwurrung language, meaning ‚¬œplace of many waterholes,‚¬ aptly describing the network of wetlands surrounding the estate. Located in the Nagambie Lakes region of Central Victoria, the 1,214-hectare property includes seven miles of Goulburn River frontage. In 2013, Tahbilk became carbon neutral, and in 2016 it was named *Winery of the Year* by James Halliday. Five generations of the Purbrick family continue to lead the estate, balancing heritage with sustainability.

Vintage: After years of dry winters, 2016 brought average to above-average rainfall across winter and spring. The vines responded with vibrant canopies and well-balanced crop levels. A variable spring with alternating temperatures and rainfall required close vineyard management, which maintained the vineyardof health. A late summer harvest produced fruit with excellent varietal definition, bright fruit character, and natural elegance.

Vineyard: The vineyards lie along the banks of the Goulburn River and its anabranch that flows through the property. The water moderates the microclimate, ensuring steady ripening. At approximately 134 metres elevation, the gently undulating terrain features sandy loam soils with ferric oxide content, ranging from fine sand near the river to denser loams on the plains. Vines planted before 1986 are on ARG rootstocks and trained on a single-wire trellis using a mix of head and cordon training. Sustainable cultivation practices include composting and mulching, improving soil structure, controlling weeds, conserving water, and promoting earthworm activity. Grapes are hand-picked to preserve fruit integrity.

Winemaking: Crafted reductively ‚¬” without oxygen contact ‚¬” to preserve Marsanneof purity. Grapes were destemmed, lightly crushed, and cooled through a heat exchanger before pressing. The must was clarified and fermented with neutral yeasts at 10‚12°C, progressing slowly at 0.5‚1° Baume per day. Fermentation halted at 2‚3 g/L residual sugar, and the wine did not undergo malolactic conversion to retain crisp freshness. It was protein- and cold-stabilised, medium-filtered, blended, and bottled for extended ageing under screwcap.

Appearance: Deep golden yellow with green reflections, showing maturity and brilliance.

Aroma: Lifted aromas of honeysuckle, buttered toast, and citrus peel with honeyed undertones and hints of roasted nuts.

Palate: Rich and layered, combining nutty and honeyed flavours with lemon citrus and mineral drive. The texture is creamy yet fresh, delivering remarkable balance between age-derived complexity and youthful vitality.

Body: Medium-bodied with luscious weight and elegant structure.

Acidity: Fresh yet mellow, balancing richness with finesse.

Cellaring Potential: Drink now for its toasty, honeyed complexity, or cellar for a further 10 years to deepen its nutty, waxy evolution.

Perfect Pairing: Excellent with seared scallops, roasted chicken with lemon thyme, or pumpkin and sage risotto.

Serving Temperature: Serve lightly chilled at 10‚12°C to showcase richness and nuance.

Contains sulphites. Information correct to the best of our knowledge at time of publication and subject to change according to vintage.