There is a big jump in RRP for this entree to the Tapanappa Chardonnay range, but when crops are low and demand is high, it makes a lot of sense. This Piccadilly Chardonnay comes from ‘Pat and Ted’s Vineyard on Mount Bonython’, which I don’t know much about as a vineyard source, but it clearly works.
As ever with BrIan’s Chardonnay releases, this feels like proper Chardonnay, not some Sauv imitation, with a distinct mealy white peach grapefruit mouthwatering, rich/freshness that feels very right. There’s less oak influence in this wine (it spent less than six months in barrel) and more about that pure Piccadilly flavour and a contrast of flavours. There’s a line of solidsy whipped and filigreed white peach/fig ripeness, before a pure finish. It’s perhaps not in the same complexity class as the two Tiers wines, but a classy wine.
Best drinking: good now, better next year. 17.7/20, 93/100. 12.5%, $60. Tapanappa website. Would I buy it? I’d probably wait and shell out for the wine below.