Shining pale golden colour. Fragrant aromas of tropical fruits like pineapple, melon, white peach and citrus blossom. The palate is far beyond the norm. Clean and fresh flavours of honeydew melon, pear, stone fruits, lemon curd and a characteristic pickled ginger in the end. Long and refreshing with bursting flavours through the finish. Perfect wine to pair with Asian food.

Small batches of grapes are crushed gently and transferred to stainless steel basket presses. Fermentation is long and moderately cool to retain fresh fruit characters. About 4% underwent wild fermentation for extra complexity. 14% of the Viognier is fermented in aged French Oak to add mouth feel and support the subtle Viognier tannins. The Marsanne component received similar treatment, but was not blended until the final stages of the winemaking process.

Many of McLaren Vale's vineyards are on free-draining soils underlain with limestone, formed by the calcareous remains of the local marine fauna. One such creature 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, McLaren Vale's first ever blend of Viognier and Marsanne. "Hermit" is also an abbreviation for the French appellation of Hermitage, where the Marsanne grape variety dominates.

Gold Medal, The New Zealand International Wine Show 2022

96 Points, Winestate Magazine, McLaren Vale, Langhorne Creek, KI, Fleurieu & Surrounds Wine Show

91 Points, The International Wine Challenge 2023