Why it matters
The producer
Tahbilk was established in 1860. It is a historic winery with National Trust certification, and its original cellars, built in the 1860s and 1870s, remain in use.
The present Marsanne plantings date to 1927. Halliday Wine Companion identifies them as the world's largest and oldest Marsanne plantings. The Purbrick family sets aside small quantities of estate Marsanne each year for a museum-release program. Halliday Wine Companion also calls Tahbilk a leader in sustainable wine production.
Place and vineyards
Where the wines begin
Tahbilk lies in Victoria's Nagambie Lakes area, between Seymour and Nagambie and about 120 kilometres north of Melbourne. The vineyards sit near a tributary of the Goulburn River, whose influence helps keep the grapes cool.
Wines to know
The range in view
Tahbilk Marsanne 2023 is varietal Marsanne. Museum Marsanne 2018 is also varietal Marsanne, extending the estate's annual museum-release program into an older bottling.
Museum Marsanne 2018 is highly aromatic, very fresh and somewhat developed, with yellow pear, beeswax, Galia melon, gooseberry, peach, lemon peel, honey, white stone fruit and yellow plum. It is textured, vibrant, refreshing and evolved, with a long finish and potential for further development.