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Buy OnlineThis Rhône-inspired Australian white wine has quite a following at Vino Fino, especially when it is on a deal like this.
We reckon d'Arenberg are not only the masters of great wine names, but of having some of the best value/quality around. There are no shortcuts taken in the production of any of the wines – low yields, foot trodden, basket pressed all make for seriously good wines.
Crawl out of your Chardonnay, Sauvignon or Gris shell and try something a little off to the side. This Rhône blend from the McLaren Vale is just thing to keep you comfortable moving out of your comfort zone. It has delicious flavours, wonderful texture and makes for a cracking glass of wine.
The two white Rhône grape varieties marry together very well here, with the apricot stone fruit, ginger peel flavours of the Viognier being balanced by the lemon/orange pith flavours added from the Marsanne. Medium bodied with a touch of juicy acidity adding freshness.
Winery notes (2024 Vintage)
"Many of McLaren Vale’s vineyards are on free-draining soils underlain with limestone, formed by the calcareous remains of the local marine fauna. One such creature was the Hermit Crab, a reclusive little crustacean that inhabits the cast-off shells of others. The Osborn family thought the name appropriate for this, McLaren Vale’s first ever blend of Viognier and Marsanne. “Hermit” is also an abbreviation for the French appellation where the Marsanne grape variety dominates.
Small batches of grapes are crushed gently and transferred to stainless steel basket presses. Fermentation is long and moderately cool to retain fresh fruit characters. About 4% underwent wild fermentation for extra complexity. 14% of the Viognier is fermented in aged French Oak to add mouth feel and support the subtle Viognier tannins. The Marsanne component received similar treatment, but was not blended until the final stages of the winemaking process.
A delicate golden hue and fragrant aromas of honeysuckle and jasmine lend an air of elegance to this wine. On the palate, ripe stone fruits take center stage, with peach and apricot leading the way, complemented by hints of cantaloupe, pineapple, and mango. The full-bodied, creamy texture is beautifully balanced by bright acidity, finishing with a lingering note reminiscent of pickled ginger slices. The mouthfeel is rich and indulgent, leaving a long-lasting and memorable impression. When served chilled, the wine’s flavours are elevated, making it an ideal pairing for seafood, vegetarian dishes, or Asian cuisine."
91/100 JamesSuckling.com (2024 Vintage)
"A delicious, creamy and fruity blend of viognier and marsanne. White peaches, sweet lemons, Greek yogurt and flowers on the nose, following through to a medium body with fresh acidity. Delicious lemons and sweet spices on the palate, with a flavourful finish."
Joanna Simon, joannasimon.com, UK Wine Writer, November 2025 (2024 Vintage)
"This an old favourite I had rather forgotten about and one that hasn’t appeared here before. It’s a Rhône-inspired Australian white wine that is pale, bright and crisp, but which also has some engaging textural richness. It smells of apricots, freesias and lemons, layered with Russet apple, lime juice and a light touch of toasty oak, but the oak is more about adding texture and complexity than oak flavour.
A small proportion of both the Viognier (60% of the blend) and the Marsanne were fermented and matured in French oak for eight months and a small percentage was also fermented with wild yeasts – again, to add complexity. It was back in 2005 that Chester Osborn, fourth generation wine grower in the McLaren Vale, made the first vintage of The Hermit Crab and there was nothing else like it in Australia. 20 years on, there still aren’t many Viognier and Marsanne blends.
The combination of breezy freshness and juicy brightness with texture makes for a food-friendly white, particularly with shellfish and Asian spices and especially when both are put together. You could also pair it with pork with spices and/or peaches or apricots."
