Tapanappa

http://www.tapanappawines.com.au/

The partnership of the Croser family, Champagne Bollinger and the Cazes family from Chateau Lynch Bages in Pauillac, Bordeaux is founded in a strongly mutually held belief that some pieces of ground are much better than others for the production of fine wine.

 

What was chosen was Chardonnay fruit from The Tiers Vineyard, planted by the Croser family in 1979, Cabernet Sauvignon vines on the Whalebone Vineyard  (which was originally the Koppamurra Vineyard just north of Coonawarra) and, in the middle of and at the highest point of the Fleurieu Peninsula a revolutionary Pinot Noir vineyard 10 kilometres from any other vineyard.

 

The mission of the partnership is to maximise the quality of the wine from these three "distinguished site" vineyards, regardless of cost, that also implies producing only tiny quantities of wine.

 

Cabernet-Shiraz 2004 Whalebone Vineyard

To quote the tasting notes of Brian Croser, partner and winemaker:

 

"First and foremost the 2004 Tapanappa Cabernet Shiraz is the taste of the Whalebone Vineyard. The terroir delivers complexity involving the aroma and taste of dusty earth and Eucalypt smoke."

 

A glass of Tapanappa Cabernet Shiraz is translucent and a vibrant cerise colour. The aroma is built in layers with a core of Cabernet Sauvignon mulberry and clove surrounded by the blackberry and liquorice of Shiraz. A central sweet fruit flavour follows on with dry dusty tannins turning creamy as the persistence of the fruit, earth and smoke creates length. 2004 Tapanappa Cabernet Shiraz is from a cool dry sunny year and is much longer than it is wide.

 

Spring lamb lightly roasted with thyme and rosemary is the natural dish to amplify the flavours and structure of the wine.

 

Only 1400 cases made

 

 

  93 points  "Distinctively spicy, with warm, earthy overtones to the beautifully framed currant, black cherry and nutmeg aromas and flavors. Impressive length to the finish, which is generous and harmonious against firm tannins. Needs time to gain some flesh, but should be a beauty. Best from 2008 through 2016. 1,400 cases made

SKU 462408

Chardonnay 2005 Tiers Vineyard

As Brian Croser winemaker and partner describes the wine:

 

Tapanappa 2005 Tiers Vineyard Chardonnay captures the personality of this special 26 year old vineyard. In every way a distinguished site, the Tiers Vineyard has consistently produced the most complex and complete Chardonnay of the Piccadilly Valley.

 

The colour is pale lemon. The aroma is very complex but ripe white peach can be discerned in amongst the roasted malt, crème brulee and cinnamon of the oak, yeast and malolactic influences. The flavour is of sweet ripe fruit supported by a soft and full texture. Despite having a significant mouth feel and flavour the finish of the wine is savoury and long.

  

Only 450 cases made.

 

   94/100  "This wine is a knockout punch for Oz chardonnay that gets little respect on the world stage. Tiers Vineyard was the first vineyard planted in the Adelaide Hills since the 19th and marks the centre of the Piccadilly Valley. The vines left are 26 years old. Brian Croser terms the 2005 as a cool vintage in the Piccadilly Valley and you can taste it in the wine. The nose is an intriguing mix of spicy lees and peachy fruit with a firm line of acidity. Even at four years it remains fresh and vital on the palate with a fine long complex finish. Very exciting wine. Another label to join Yattarna and the assault on Burgundy. Tappanappa's combined ownership with Croser includes Jean-Michel Cazes of Chateau Lynch-Bages in Pauillac, Bordeaux, and Société Jacques Bollinger, the parent company of Champagne Bollinger."
 

 

  92 Points  "A delicate wine that sneaks up on you with its flavors. It opens with subtle citrus and green apple, then broadens into peach, subtle spice and slightly chalky notes as the finish evolves and lingers. Beautifully structured, this is designed to age in the bottle. Best from 2008 through 2015. 450 cases made." –HS

 

 

SKU 915090