d’Arry always deliver bang for buck with their “original” series. This label sees 2 of the staple “Rhone” white varieties blended together with a parcel of the Viognier aged for 8 months in French and American oak for extra oomph.

d’Arenberg, The Hermit Crab, Viognier Marsanne, McLaren Vale, 2016

Buttered apricot slices, snow pea sprouts, tobacco, popcorn kernel and frangipani florals. Plenty of palate weight and spice. Moreish apricot, lemon pith, creamy oak highlights and a navel orange citrus acidity right at the finish. The natural heft of the varieties make this a choice for those that like a bit of gumption but without too much of a flabby texture: just a little something to grab onto if you know what I mean. Well balanced and very drinkable.

RRP: $15
Alc: 13.6%

Wine sample courtesy of d’Arenberg