Meet a once-in-a-lifetime white wine blend

The 2023 vintage marked a once-in-a-century occurrence for Victorian wine producer Tahbilk - and not in a good way.

At Tahbilk, they like to say that every bottle tells a story, and in the case of the 2023 Tahbilk Flood Blend, the story is a cracker.

Back in October 2022, Tahbilk's estate vineyards suffered a once in a lifetime flood, which affected the vines, impacted yields for the current harvest, and destroyed parts of the vineyard.

The result was the new-release Flood Blend, which is made from whatever fruit could be salvaged from the flooded vines - eight different varieties - and will never be replicated again.

Jo Nash, Tahbilk chief winemaker and general manager, describes the wine as "a story of survival".

"This wine is not only a representation of the season, but also speaks to the wonderful Tahbilk team," Nash says.

"Some of the things we saw, we endured and we had to deal with at that time, are memories that will stay with us for ever. It was a moment in time, that changed us, and through all the devastation, tears and disaster, we as Tahbilk, remembered what was special to us, and you know we just got on with it.

"I have been lucky enough to make a lot of wines over the years, but I don’t think there is a wine that I have been more proud of. This wine represents resilience, determination and dedication; it represents the wonderful people here on the estate, that I am privileged to work with on a daily basis."

And guess what? It is a very nice wine indeed. 

Fresh, crisp and blessed with brisk acidity, it is ideal for immediate consumption, preferably served chilled.

This "wine of resilience and storytelling" retails for $21.95 and can be source at www.tahbilk.com.au.