Lark Hill Mr. V Marsanne Roussanne Viognier 2013

White Rhone blends seem particularly hard to get right in Oz. I can’t think of many that really satisfy. Plenty of great single varietals (like Tahbilk’s Marsanne or Giaconda’s Roussanne), but so few good blends.

This is, curiously, not there either. It kicks off with a broad, open knit nose without any element sticking out. A fraction neutral really given how open it seems, the barest hint of peach the only varietal touch. Ditto the palate which looks a little reductive, slightly alcoholic and surprisingly lacking in varietal definition. Was expecting a little more varietal stamp here, and save for a little waxy pear and a whisper of apricot, there is none. Even after a few days in the fridge.

Drinkable, but not quite there.

Details: 13.5%, Screwcap,
Tasted: March 2015 (sample)
Best drinking: 2015-2020
Score: 16.5/20, 88/100
Would I buy it? No.
Buy online:

Wine

Andrew Graham
Almost 25 years ago I started working in a small bottleshop, largely to buy cheap beer. There, I met my first two loves - wine and craft beer, and they took over my life. Two decades later and I spend my days as a journalist, buyer, wine show judge, marketer and drinks industry consultant.

A #semsational look at Thomas Wines Braemore + Kiss Shiraz over the past 20 years

September 29, 2023

Review: Ngeringa Summit Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021

September 28, 2023

Review: Torzi Matthews Schist Rock Shiraz 2022 – a $28 hero

September 27, 2023

Lark Hill Mr. V Marsanne Roussanne Viognier 2013