What a sheer privilege it was to taste this Tapanappa Whalebone Vineyard blend 2015 alongside the new 2021 release. Brian Croser is releasing a small quantity of the 2015s and its pure class is obvious. Better still, what a thrilling opportunity it is to check out where this wine has come from and where it has the potential to go.
The fruit parcels were fermented separately before seeing 20 months in French oak barriques (50% new, balance one year old). The final blend was 69/31 Merlot and Cabernet Franc.
An incredibly captivating wine, it continued to evolve fabulously the longer it was open. Scents of pine needles, wild mushrooms and sauteed mushrooms made an initial first impression with licorice and choc mint pattie. Blackberries come with the territory, its presence and shape are absolutely sublime. Dried herbs and the faint flicker of cola park themselves in the distance. It’s a wine that strides out and has a cool feel about its carry. Defined elegance and dangerously smooth, it slides about with ease in stealth mode. Silky, powdery and emery board like tannins leave a trail of consideration in their wake.
A wine of elevated sophistication, it will live for many years yet.
Drink to ten years+
96/100
