Brian’s Musings
Tapanappa News & Articles » Read more about: Brian’s Musings »
Brian’s Musings
Tapanappa News & Articles » Read more about: Brian’s Musings »
A full-bodied red based on the quintessential Bordeaux Right Bank prototype, this is rich yet fresh;
» Read more about: 2016 Whalebone Vineyard Cabernet Franc Merlot – 95 points, Gold »
A very good example of the union between place and variety, the richness of the fruit flavours bringing blackcurrant and blackberry together.
» Read more about: 2016 Whalebone Vineyard Cabernet Shiraz – 96, Gold »
An elite microcosm of the Foggy Hill site. The best strip, so to speak. I prefer this to the ’17.
» Read more about: 2018 Definitus Pinot Noir – 96 points, Gold »
A broad patina of sous-bois, pickled cherry and fecund strawberry, aged judiciously in French oak (30%).
» Read more about: 2017 Foggy Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir – 94 points, Silver »
Founded on the philosophy of fealty to distinguished single sites, this juicy riesling hails from the meagre granitic souls of the 50yo Bartholomeus Vineyard.
» Read more about: 2018 Eden Valley Riesling – 95 points, Gold »
The warm season is certainly reflected in this wine, with honey, fig and even brulee,
» Read more about: 2018 Piccadilly Valley Chardonnay – 94 points, Silver »
Brian Croser’s ode to his halcyon youth when California first convinced him that high quality chardonnay was indeed possible outside of Burgundy.
» Read more about: 2018 Tiers Vineyard 1.5M Chardonnay – 94 points, Silver »
This is a spectacular chardonnay, eschewing malolactic in the name of precision and freshness, while sacrificing nothing in the way of flavour and textural detail in doing so.
» Read more about: 2018 Tiers Vineyard Chardonnay – 97 points, Gold »
If you’ve got elite fruit power, don’t be afraid to show it. This has an Olympic athlete’s body: big frame,
» Read more about: Piccadilly Valley Chardonnay 2018 – 97 points »
3 bottles of 2006 Whalebone Vineyard Cabernet Shiraz (1.5L) Magnum’s, beautifully wrapped and presented in individual Tapanappa magnum gift boxes
You choose your wines! You will receive 12 bottles including a rare back vintage museum wine worth $90 each time. Choose to receive either a mixed case of 6 whites and 6 reds, or else all white or all reds, every 6 or 12 months. You will also receive a 20% discount on all Tapanappa wine purchases online and at our Cellar Door
Double up on the Discovery wines and receive 6 bottles delivered to your door every 3 or 6 months. You will also receive a 15% discount on all Tapanappa wine purchases online and at our Cellar Door.
Current 3 Sites Cellar club pack includes:
2 x 2015 Tapanappa Eden Valley Riesling
2 x 2018 Foggy Hill Vineyard DEFINITUS Pinot Noir
2 x 2017 Whalebone Vineyard Cabernet Shiraz
Discover Tapanappa and enjoy wines personally selected by Brian. 3 different wines will be delivered to your door every 3, 6, or 12 months. You will also receive a 15% discount on all Tapanappa wine purchases online and at our Cellar Door.
Current 3 Sites club pack includes:
1 x 2015 Tapanappa Eden Valley Riesling
1 x 2018 Foggy Hill Vineyard DEFINITUS Pinot Noir
1 x 2017 Whalebone Vineyard Cabernet Shiraz
Recognition
Tapanappa News, Articles & Reviews » Read more about: Search »
I haven’t read the press notes on this wine but 2020 in the Adelaide Hills was an interesting time,
» Read more about: “This makes an impression” 2020 Piccadilly Valley Chardonnay »
The chardonnay vines on the Tiers Vineyard in the Piccadilly Valley are all now well over 30 years old though some were planted in the late 1970s.
» Read more about: “It had me hooked straight up” 2020 The Tiers Vineyard Chardonnay »
It’s a firm, fragrant, spice-riddled pinot noir with blueberry and macerated cherry notes shot through with aromatic herb notes.
» Read more about: “A pretty impressive wine” – 2019 Foggy Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir »
There are four hectares of pinot noir growing on the Foggy Hill vineyard; this is from a one-hectare strip.
» Read more about: 2018 Foggy Hill Vineyard “DEFINITUS” Pinot Noir »
Lots going on here. Huge perfume of ripe plum, sage, violets, pot pourri, cedar. The palate is plush,
» Read more about: “A lavish wine” – 2017 Whalebone Vineyard Merlot Cabernet Franc »
Seaspray, seaweed scents, a dusting of clove, cassis, some eucalyptus too. Evocative perfume. Dark fruit flavours,
» Read more about: “Wrattonbully the hero here”- 2017 Whalebone Vineyard Cabernet Shiraz »
Sour cherry and dark fruit profile, touch more of the savoury – almost hedgerow, stem like –
Brian Croser’s Fleurieu Peninsula Pinot has evolved quite a bit over its existence, the style reaching for more delicacy every vintage.
» Read more about: “Classy Wine” – 2019 Foggy Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir »
“It’s young and will be even better next year” – 2020 Tiers Vineyard 1.5M Chardonnay
Light yellow colour.
“Potential Plus” – 2020 Tiers Vineyard Chardonnay
Light straw colour. Cashew nut,
Brian Croser reports on the 2021 vintage, which he describes as ‘perfection in a sea of uncertainty’.
Wine Archive
Browse our wine archive via the menu below, select a wine to view winemaking notes, » Read more about: Wine Archive »
Cellar Door Bookings
Our Cellar Door is open daily, 11am – 4pm
p: (08) 7324 5301
e: cellardoor@tapanappa.com.au
Bookings for small groups (1-6) for our seated wine tastings can be made below,
Mailing List
Keep in touch with Tapanappa wines. Sign up and be the first to receive information on our newest releases, » Read more about: Mailing List »
With Spring approaching this 20 March, white wines may begin to take an edge this time of year.
Deep red colour with a trace of purple and the bouquet has a gun-smoky, black olive,
With Spring approaching this 20 March, white wines may begin to take an edge this time of year.
All class. Layers to bouquet and palate, inward concentration, exceptional length and fine tuned oak/lees work implicit.
» Read more about: “Righteous stuff. All class” – 2016 Tiers Vineyard 1.5M Chardonnay »
Medium to deep red colour with a trace of purple and a mossy, undergrowth bouquet with traces of humus and cabernet raspberry-mint,
Definitus
DEFINITUS is an apotheosis on the Tapanappa Foggy Hill Pinot Noir journey. After 14 years of careful observation across the 3 Pinot Noir clones on 4 rootstocks,
» Read more about: Tapanappa Foggy Hill Vineyard 2018 Definitus Pinot Noir »
Vintage Notes
2019 vintage was another in an increasing frequency of above average temperature vintages.
» Read more about: Tapanappa Foggy Hill Vineyard 2019 Pinot Noir »
It’s a firm, fragrant, spice-riddled pinot noir with blueberry and macerated cherry notes shot through with aromatic herb notes.
» Read more about: A pretty impressive Pinot Noir – 2019 Foggy Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir »
The classic Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz blend is all about combining the structure of Cabernet Sauvignon with the ripeness and upfront appeal of shiraz.
This Tapanappa Whalebone Cab Shiraz 2016 sure packs in flavour, but it would be more compelling if it was less ripe.
» Read more about: A huge wine with considerable impact – 2016 Whalebone Cabernet Shiraz »
While not quite of the same calibre as the exceptional Tiers, this Tapanappa Piccadilly Valley Chardonnay 2018 is another solid Adelaide Hills Chardonnay.
2016 Tapanappa Single Vineyard Adelaide Hills Shiraz is the first “distinguished site” shiraz from Tapanappa,
2017 gave Foggy Hill the growing season and vintage it craved for. In terms of varietal character,
Classic right bank (Bordeaux) blend of Cabernet Franc (as opposed to Cabernet Sauvignon being king on the left).
Foggy Hill is located on the Fleurieu Peninsula, and is one of the coldest places on the Australian mainland.
» Read more about: A complex and delicious Pinot Noir – 2018 Foggy Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir »
Marked by mint and cassis on the nose, the 2017 Whalebone Vineyard Cabernet Shiraz becomes more Shiraz-like on the palate,
» Read more about: Australia’s very own unique red blend – 2017 Whalebone Cabernet Shiraz »
The floral-herbal elements of Cabernet Franc are nicely balanced and rounded out by the ripe cherries of the Merlot in Tapanappa’s 2017 Whalebone Vineyard Merlot Cabernet Franc.
» Read more about: A classic right bank Bordeaux blend – 2017 Whalebone Merlot Cabernet Franc »
The 2018 Foggy Hill Vineyard “Definitus” Pinot Noir is a blend of Clones 115 and 777 from a strip of vines over the site’s shallowest soils.
More floral and ethereal in character than the sturdier 2018, the 2019 Pinot Noir Foggy Hill Vineyard delivers notes of fresh herbs,
Pale straw-colored, the 2019 Chardonnay Tiers Vineyard comes from the original plantings made in 1979 at 450 meters above sea level.
Very light, bright yellow hue. A powerfully expressive bouquet of cashew-nutty, oaky, oatmeal biscuit aromas,
Huon Hooke
Huon Hooke
Light, bright yellow hue. Gently smoky, nutty, straw-like bouquet,
Medium to deep ruby colour with purple tints and a complex bouquet of smoky, vegetal,
» Read more about: A delicious glass of Pinot – 2018 Foggy Hill Vineyard “Definitus” Pinot Noir »
Bright and vibrant ruby colour from core to rim. Black cherry, iodine, smoke and vegetable broth aromatics.
» Read more about: Has many years ahead of it – 2019 Foggy Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir »
It’s a firm, fragrant, spice-riddled pinot noir with blueberry and macerated cherry notes shot through with aromatic herb notes.
» Read more about: A pretty impressive wine – 2019 Foggy Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir »
Purchase
The Tiers Vineyard
Foggy Hill Vineyard
Tapanappa Foggy Hill Vineyard 2019 Pinot Noir quantity
Add to Cart
Tapanappa Foggy Hill Vineyard 2018 Definitus Pinot Noir quantity
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The Whalebone Vineyard
Tapanappa Whalebone Vineyard 2017 Cabernet Shiraz quantity
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Tapanappa Whalebone Vineyard 2017 Cabernet Franc Merlot quantity
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Packs &
Whalebone Vineyard
The Whalebone Vineyard was purchased immediately after the formation of Tapanappa in 2002.
Originally named Koppamurra Vineyard,
Foggy Hill Vineyard
The Foggy Hill Vineyard is on a northwestfacing slope at 300 to 350 metres (ASL) at Parawa, » Read more about: Foggy Hill Vineyard »
The Tiers Vineyard
In every way The Tiers Vineyard is a “distinguished site”. » Read more about: The Tiers Vineyard »
Wine Club
Welcome
3 Sites
$150.00
Every 3 months
Pack includes 3 wines
3 Sites
Cellar Pack
$300.00
Every 3 or 6 months
Pack includes 6 wines
Distinguished Terroir
$600.00
Design your own club pack
Every 6 or 12 months
20% off RRP
Pack includes 12 wines
We are excited to welcome you to the family
We love sharing our passion for handcrafted wines and outstanding hospitality at Tapanappa.
Somewhat puckered peach—skin, flesh, kernel—and a sniff off that often elusive match-strike that many a Chardonnay-lover desires.
» Read more about: Tapanappa Piccadilly Valley Chardonnay 2018 (Adelaide Hils, SA) »
Somewhat puckered peach—skin, flesh, kernel—and a sniff off that often elusive match-strike that many a Chardonnay-lover desires.
» Read more about: Loaded with yellow stone fruit – 2018 Piccadilly Valley Chardonnay »
We are very excited to announce the Tiers Vineyard 2019 Chardonnay was listed in the Drinks Business 10 Best Chardonnay’s for 2020 after winning GOLD at the 2020 Drinks Business Global Chardonnay Masters in December for the fifth year running.
» Read more about: The 10 Best Chardonnay’s of 2020 – 2019 Tiers Vineyard Chardonnay »
Recognition
Tapanappa News, Articles & Reviews » Read more about: Recognition »
Origin/Tapanappa
The name “Tapanappa” is inspired by the 550-millionyear-
old geological formation that underlies the Fleurieu Peninsula where the Croser family have a coastal property and their newest vineyard,
Vintage Notes
In 2019 we celebrated the 40th birthday of the wonderful Tiers Vineyard, a truly distinguished site.
» Read more about: Tapanappa Tiers Vineyard 2019 Chardonnay »
Vintage Notes
In 2019 we celebrated the 40th birthday of the wonderful Old Tiers Vineyard,
» Read more about: Tapanappa Tiers Vineyard 1.5m 2019 Chardonnay »
Brian Croser AO
Brian Croser has been an innovator in the Australian wine industry for more than 40 years. » Read more about: Brian Croser AO »
Plush with perfumed violet, bramble, liquorice and black pepper aromatics, spiced and savoury on the palate with layers of chocolate,
» Read more about: Decanter World Wine Awards *Gold Medal* – 2016 Whalebone Cabernet Shiraz »
The journey of refining a wine from a “distinguished site” is a long one full of self-doubt.
» Read more about: Decanter World Wine Awards *Gold Medal* – 2018 Tiers Vineyard Chardonnay »
While not quite of the same calibre as the exceptional Tiers, this Tapanappa Piccadilly Valley Chardonnay 2018 is another solid Adelaide Hills Chardonnay.
» Read more about: Piccadilly Valley Chardonnay 2018 – 91/100 »
Wine description to be supplied…
2017 Tapanappa Whalebone Vineyard Merlot-Cabernet Franc has a medium dark garnet colour with a purple edge.
The aromas are violet floral from the Cabernet Franc and mulberry cassis from the Merlot. The slight mint and fresh earth of the Whalebone terroir is melded with the cedar of the oak and the olive of the tannin.
The flavours reflect the aroma, and the fruit is immediately sweet and ripe, graduating to a refined tannin and balanced acid finish.
This is an intense complex wine, with finesse as well as strength and is a “true expression of the unique Whalebone Vineyard terroir” from an exceptional vintage.
2017 Tapanappa Whalebone Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon-Shiraz has a dark garnet colour with a purple edge.
The aromas are rich cassis and slight nettle from the Cabernet Sauvignon and complex fine leather and anise from the Shiraz. The slight mint and fresh earth of the Whalebone terroir is melded with the cedar of the oak and tannin. The whole is at once complex, powerful and ripe.
The flavours reflect the aroma, and the fruit is immediately sweet and ripe, graduating to a refined tannin and balanced acid finish.
This is an intense complex wine, with finesse as well as strength and is a “true expression of the unique Whalebone Vineyard terroir” from an exceptional vintage.
Even in the warmest vintages, Foggy Hill produces moderate sugar grapes at full maturity. The 2017 DEFINITUS is no exception and at 13.5% alcohol the flavours and aromas are evidently supported by water not alcohol.
The full in bottle analysis is given above.
The 2017 DEFINITUS is of moderate colour intensity and crimson hue.
The aromas and flavours are delicate and ethereal with violet ad roses floral, ripe strawberries and dark fruits and an earthy terroir nuance.
The palate structure sets DEFINITUS apart. The texture is silky and creamy but the finishing tannins are firm and sandy.
DEFINITUS is a pure expression of a unique terroir and will benefit from a decade or longer of bottle age.
Winemaker: Brian Croser
Bottled in February 2018. Only 500 cases grown and made.
2019 Foggy Hill Pinot Nor is a “robust but refined expression of the unique Foggy Hill vineyard site”.
The wine is barely translucent with a mulberry hue. The aroma is of ripe dark berry fruits and the faint spice of stalks. The oak provides a complexing but muted Chinese 5 spice bouquet and all of this is reflected in the flavour of the wine. The flavours are imposing and the tannins robust but refined.
This tasting note is one of those rare opportunities to describe a truly wonderful wine, better than almost all that have gone before.
The delayed ripening of a very small crop in perfect cool, dry and sunny conditions, has defined a very special Chardonnay from the unique and distinguished Tiers Vineyard terroir.
The colour is pale lemon green. The aroma is immediately intense, fresh and appealing, mainly of the primary fruit, sweet ripe nectarine with a hint of yeast cashew and oak spice. The aroma compels the need to taste, which amplifies the intensity, freshness, budding complexity, mouth filling fruit sweetness and texture and finally the cutting edge of acid and slight grapefruit finish of a wine that nearly defies description beyond “wow”. You may think I have over-reached. Just try the wine for yourself.
2020 Tiers Chardonnay is “a very special vintage of a unique wine defined by a truly distinguished vineyard terroir”.
15 SPRING GULLY ROAD
PICCADILLY SA 5151
PHONE 08)7324 5301
cellardoor@tapanappa.com.au
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Visit our website: tapanappa.com.au
Minimum order 6 bottles. Free shipping within Australia.
For international orders, please contact us for options.
Liquor Licensing Act 1997
It is an offense to sell or to supply to or to obtain liquor on behalf of a person under the age of 18 years.
Liquor license No. 50809187
Wines are sold by Tapanappa Wines Pty. Ltd. ABN 86 104 001 667
