Tapanappa News, Articles & Reviews

Somewhat puckered peach—skin, flesh, kernel—and a sniff off that often elusive match-strike that many a Chardonnay-lover desires. There's a wheaty, grainy edge to it also. Has a bracing, briny breeze on a beach-type thing about it, and it’s loaded with yellow stone fruit, fuzzy-skin sweetness. Iced-cracked kernel; dense and mouth-sucking. It’s almost gone and there will be no ’19 (although there is a Tiers and Tiers 1.5m).
94 (95) /100, 9/10

Plush with perfumed violet, bramble, liquorice and black pepper aromatics, spiced and savoury on the palate with layers of chocolate, dark berry and harmonious tannins.
95 points

This is now the third bottle of Tapanappa Tiers Chardonnay 2018 and each time it gets better. Now officially at ‘phwoar’ level.
For a little context about Tiers, you need to start here. In my mind, this is the model of restrained power – an acknowledgement that Chardonnay can be both bold and refreshing, which the best white Burgundy does so well. This ’18 is a bigger, broader wine than the ’17 vintage release but I think I like it even more. It’s a full-flavoured Chardonnay, all white peach fruit, the oak intertwined throughout the palate, the finish still sprightly and vital, the acidity briney and almost unexpectedly so after the mid palate width. It feels powerful, uncompromisingly varietal… a Chardonnay for Chardonnay drinkers. Delicious, mouthfilling wine.
Would I buy it? Yes!
95 points

Eden Valley Riesling 2018
Founded on the philosophy of fealty to distinguished single sites, this juicy riesling hails from the meagre granitic souls of the 50yo Bartholomeus Vineyard. Pink grapefruit pulp, bath salts and lemon rind notes cascade along a gentle phenolic waft and juicy acid rails. This is ripe and luscious, eschewing contemporary trends toward earlier harvest windows and brittle acidity. At once pointed and richly flavoured. Finessed, too, while boasting a real propulsion of flavours and textures. Mouthfilling, gratifying and very long.
95 points (Gold)

Piccadilly Valley Chardonnay 2018
The warm season is certainly reflected in this wine, with honey, fig and even brulee, all finely balanced by citrussy acidity. Enjoyable drink now style.
94 points (Silver)