I always love Brian (Croser)’s notes that come with every Tapanappa wine, especially the details on weather and vintage. A grape nerd’s delight! 2024 has a ‘near perfect’ label in the Piccadilly Valley from Brian with a head degree summation of 1194°C days versus 1108°C days average. Low crops in 2024 (4t/ha if you’re counting). In fact, the only challenge here is that we’re looking at this wine way too young – history says that anything below about four years post-harvest is too young for Tiers. This 2024 is indeed prepubescent and feels it. There’s the solid grapefruit and citrus core, with everything in perfect position, some of the chalky creamy vibe (and oak and vineyard character) that is also classic Tiers. Ripe wine too – there’s a subtle hint of volume on the back. Wonderful. The only thing that stops you short is that it’s too tight – not unapproachable, but there is another dimension here that you’re missing out on by drinking now. It will be a great Tiers in time. Still the wine I’d most like to drink in this entire lineup.
Best drinking: yes, you can open it now, but I would stick it away for two Christmases. 18.5/20, 94/100+ 14.1%, $110. Would I buy it? I love Tiers, and this is a winner, so yes.
