It feels Grinchish, but I’d rather drink the 1.5m Chardonnay now. That’s because, as this vertical showed, Tiers needs a good five years to show its best, not one. Especially from a vintage that was cool (1093C vs the average of 1135C measuring the Heat Degree Days scale) and a harvest that was late. I have no doubt that this wine will be the better wine in time.
Still, this smells great – white peach, vanilla bean, and some fresh wood. There’s this delightful white peachy flourish that is generous, juicy, and primal. It is probably too primal – the grapefruit acidity juts out, and there is a freshly sawn log new oak smell, too. But it’s all present and correct. That resounding creamed nectarine flavour is intense and it’s going to work. Greatness of elements, pulling together (but not yet). Buy with absolute confidence.
Best drinking: 2026 at least. 18.5/20, 94/100+. 12.9%, $110. Tapanappa website. Would I buy it? I still would yes.
