Recognition

Brian Croser’s vision of a great Right Bank Bordeaux, realised. Or at least that’s the drift with this Tapanappa Whalebone Vineyard Merlot Cabernet Franc 2017. Sometimes this Wrattonbully red can seem too ripe and too ambitious, but it feels rather …

Deep red colour with a trace of purple and the bouquet has a gun-smoky, black olive, roasted-fruit bouquet, the palate full-bodied and chewy with assertive, slightly bitter tannins that leave a hefty chew on the aftertaste. A quite heavy, thick-textured red …

This has a cedary edge to the plum aromas with some spicy-oak influence and an earthy edge. The palate is smooth and supple with spicy, cedary-oak flavors and a core of red plums. Drink now. 

90 points…

There’s a fresh core of red fruit here with some riper, plum-compote notes and plenty of sweet oak spice. The palate has a smooth array of deep-set dark berries with red plum-pip notes at the finish. A blend of 69% …

A cooler than average year with some plums and spiced tea cake, hints of tobacco and some leafy nuances. There is also a gently biscuity edge and very silky tannins. Supple and dense with a wealth of dark plums and …

A cooler vintage and low-cropping. Very rich and plush with terrific depth and plushness. It holds floral notes on the nose with freshly tilled earthy nuances and aromas of spiced forest. The palate is fleshy with deep-set plum flavors, delivering …