2012 Sydney International Wine Competition, Blue Gold; 2012 Raso Wine Show & Mediterranean Challenge, Gold. Wine of Australia. Established 1912. Viognier: 68%, Marsanne: 32%. Since 1912, the Osborn family have tended the 19th century vineyards at their d'Arenberg winey, located in the foothills south of Adelaide. The close proximity of the vineyards to the coastal Gulf St. Vincent induces a beneficial cooling effect on the grapes. Many of the best vineyards in this region are on free-draining soils underlain with limestone, formed by the calcified remains of the local marine fauna. One such create 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, Viognier Marsanne blend, as it is best enjoyed with shellfish and seafood dishes. Under the supervision of fourth generation family winemaker, Chester Osborn, the grapes, once crushed, were pressed by d'Arenberg's 19th century basket-presses which ensures the gentle extraction of the varieties' delicate fruit flavors, prior to fermentation. Website: http://www.darenberg.com.au. 13.5% alc./vol. Viticulture, vinification & bottling by d'Arenberg. Wine of Australia.