Rutherglen Estate Shelley's Block 2023 | Rutherglen

From the eastern edge of Rutherglen, Shelley's Block is among Rutherglen Estate's most expressive vineyard sites — gravel, clay and alluvial soils that yield fruit of natural intensity and precision. The 2023 Marsanne Viognier Roussanne continues a line of Rhône-inspired whites that age gracefully while rewarding patience even on release.

Tasting Notes

Colour: Pale straw with bright green hues and excellent clarity.

Nose: Aromatic and detailed — citrus blossom, fresh apricot and ginger lift from the glass, underscored by dried herbs and a subtle thread of French oak spice.

Palate: Softly textured and layered, with citrus, stone fruit and a nutty mid-palate richness that comes from eight months on lees without stirring. Acidity is bright and fresh; tannins are absent, keeping the wine approachable and fluid.

Finish: Long and structured, with a clean mineral line and gentle spice that lingers well after the glass.

Blend & Winemaking

A blend of Marsanne, Viognier and Roussanne from Shelley's Vineyard. Fifty per cent fermented in stainless steel for freshness; fifty per cent in French oak barrel — the oak portion using indigenous yeast — comprising 7% new, 11% one-year and 34% two-plus year oak across the whole blend. No malolactic fermentation. Eight months on lees without stirring produces texture without weight. Winemaker Marc Scalzo, Rutherglen Estate, De Bortoli.