Finesse and purity all the way. The step up in class is evident compared to the Piccadilly Valley Chardonnay, this Tapanappa Tiers 1.5m is calming and stylish with a charismatic swagger.
It glides and sways with ease. The presence of the fruit is seamless in its combination with the oak, the highlight being the precise fusion with the acidity ensuring there is no start point or end point – that’s class right there.
From a close-planted site (2003), white-fleshed stonefruit, juicy yellow grapefruit and fine drizzles of lemon juice seek your favour. A fine nutty appeal works in unison with a delicate textural presence. A little custard powder creaminess and a vanilla bean pannacotta drive add further layers of interest, but that length! The little tug of tension suggests this is something worth tucking away for a little while at least but it’s the grapefruit acidity and tang on close that I adore. Woah! It’s just glorious Chardonnay.
96 points
