The following reviews are taken from an article written by Andrew Graham on a comparative tasting of Tapanappa’s Chardonnay’s amd Pinot Noir’s alongside Domaine Chanson’s Burgundy offerings.
Original article: http://www.ozwinereview.com/2013/04/chanson-tapanappa-quality-convergenc…
Tapanappa Piccadilly Valley Chardonnay 2010
Top Burgundian vineyard dirt Sourced from the younger, close-planted vines in the Tiers vineyard. A warmer season in 2010. Fermented in barrique and spends 10 months in oak. 12.8% alc. pH 3.04
More mealy and open than the Burgundies, immediately creamy and with a quite expressive buxom palate. The acidity here is a different shape, more citrus than the bony acid above. Much more expressive and still of a very similar quality vein. Rich and satisfying yet clean.
17.7/20
Tapanappa Tiers Chardonnay 2010
Sourced from the oldest vines on the vineyard. Slow 6 week fermentation in barrel and 10 months in barrel. Weekly lees stirring. 13.2%, pH 3.15 TA 7g/L.
Custard and milk. A nice synergy with previous ‘bigger’ Burgundy, Creamy palate again with the citrussy acidity. Rather nutty and full with enriched, grilled nut oak and winemaking. Bigger and richer custard apples. Bold flavours and riper yet a lovely full white. Great finesse. Top tier Chardonnay.
18.5/20 94/100
Tapanappa Fleurieu Peninsula Pinot Noir 2010
Comes from the younger ‘block 2’ vineyard at the Foggy Hill vineyard. Picked and transported to the Petaluma winery in the Adelaide Hills. 4 day pre-ferment cold maceration. 30% new oak. 10 months in barrique.12.9% alc. pH 3.65. TA 5.8g/L.
Bright cherry red. Oak sits on top of the fruit here and this is but a baby. Very drying and firm, dark, resinous tannin palate with hard acidity. Expected this to be fuller! Great structure but much too serious to love yet. Love the redcurrant hints to finish. Looks perfectly juicy next to Burgs.
17.5/20 91/100+
Tapanappa Foggy Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir 2010
Slightly older vines than the basic ‘Fleurieu’ Pinot. 13.2% alc. pH 3.68. TA 5.7g/L.
Perfectly at home here. Immediately more open and a little sappy. Very cherried and bold. Luscious middle and slightly warm finish. Dry to end and very clever dry tannins. Sweet middle and dry finish. Long too. Clever. Not Burgundy and proudly so.
18/20 93/100
