When it is lobster, crab and shrimp on the plate simply prepared with lots of garlic and butter in the mix it could be The Hermit Crab, a Viognier and Marsanne blend from Australia, is your man in Havana. Over the years it has proven its worth for me and it has been consistently good.
You know on Pico Island in the Azorean Islands there is an expression saying you should plant vines where you can hear the crabs singing! Meaning plant close to the moderating influences of the Atlantic Ocean.
Aroma: Stone fruit, mango, pineapple, melon and Flemish pear.
Palate: A very “soft wine”. No harsh edges. Laid back and well integrated acidity. Apricot, peach and melon with a middling finish. The acidity gains steam as the wine warms so I prefer a good chill on it although if you prefer some noticeable acidity let it warm up a tad and it would suit mussels and oysters.
Personality: The Australians can do Viognier very well particularly Yalumba (O Series). Not being a Rhône Ranger blend a bit of this with a South Australian Shiraz and do we have a Cote Rôtie Aussie? I am an Aussie blessing the French grapes here.
Food Match: Thai seafood curries. Pasta Vongole. Steamed lobster and crab in a garlic butter sauce. Grilled chicken breast in a tarragon cream sauce.
Cellarbility: Best consume in 2024 and not to depress North American readers where summer has not yet arrived this would match a Thanksgiving turkey with gravy and not cranberries. Add cranberries (God forbid) then think Pinot Noir or Gamay.
Price: $18 CDN (Ontario).
RKS 2024 Wine Rating: 89/100. 2022 New Zealand Wine Show 90.
(d’Arenberg The Hermit Crab 2022 Viognier Marsanne, McLaren Vale, d’Arenberg McLaren Vale, Australia, 750 mL, 14%).
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