You don’t see many Australian red blends with Merlot as the dominant grape in the blend that cost this much, but it takes the chutzpah of a Brian Croser to make a wine like this. It’s from Wrattonbully which is the next surprise, even more surprising is the lottery of the cork closure. Phew that’s three surprises and I’ve not even tasted the wine yet.
What I’m not surprised about is the way it arouses the senses with such a combination of red and black fruitcake intensity, lavish cedary oak, and hints of choc coated coffee beans, a suggestion of regional mint pattie character too. Sweet Merlot coats the front palate with smooth and dextrous hands, massaging the toungue into submission before it opens up into a flood of plum and blackcurrant, tannnins effortlessly ease themselves around the middle and then a spicy momentum keeps delivering on a long, distinguished finish. The oak is present but beautifully integrated and the flavours just keep on giving. Very impressive wine this.
95 points
Original review: http://www.winingpom.com.au/2012/11/tappanappa-merlot-cabernet-franc-2008/
