2023 Neldner Road by Dave Powell Steinborner Marsanne

Fermented in a combination of 50% new and 50% old French oak barrels followed by 6 months of barrel maturation on lees. Bright straw colour with a watery hue. Pronounced aromas of peach, baked pear and honeycomb flood the nostrils with some crème brulee, bacon fat and spice notes also evident. Rich and decadent, ripe peach, honeycomb, baked pear and crème brulee flavours are delivered with remarkable intensity and power. Notions of nougat, bacon fat and spice linger through the back half. Texturally full and viscous it nonetheless has good underlying freshness, finishing long and luscious.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 14%

Other Reviews….
Built on texture and breadth, this 2023 Barossa Valley Marsanne is rich and dense, while retaining focus and poise. There are notes of white pineapple and white pepper, sourdough crust and spring flowers, blonde tobacco and brine. The wine is gorgeous, silky and seamless. Matured in 40% to 50% new French oak, with bâtonnage during ferment, the fruit goes through partial malolactic fermentation. The fruit is from the Steinborner Vineyard, and this is emblazoned across the front label. Quite rightly. 14% alcohol, sealed under natural cork. Drink 2024-2038.
95 Points
Erin Larkin – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate