Recognition

Ripeness, earth spice and oak punch segue to an impossibly medium bodied, elegant palate – has complexity of bay leaf, bergamot tannins and a layered savouriness, but drinkability is the import. Impressive for architecture

95/100

Mid garnet; a subtle reflection of red fruits, sage, licorice and leather; the medium bodied palate is finely textured, with ample fine-grained tannins complementing the subtle red fruit and earthy tones of the finish; a long, fine and elegant example.…

Whalebone Vineyard, named for a fossilied whale skeleton in the limestone beneath it, was planted by John Greenshields in 1974 and bought by Tapanappa, a joint venture led by Brian Croser; in 2002. This is the first release of  a …

Petaluma founder Brian Croser made this world-class red from a vineyard on Coonawarra’s edge. Cabernet franc is unfashionable yet plays a vital role in many great Bordeaux reds. Croser launched this next to a $1400 Bordeaux and is compared well.…

Whopping price on this first-release merlot-cabernet franc blend from Tapanappa’s Whalebone Vineyard. But the wine quality is excellent.

Elegant, finely structured, ripe but not sweet. It walks the talk of modern Australian red wine. It tastes of pencil and fresh …

BRIAN Croser believes he’s discovered Australia’s true home for growing cabernet franc.

Holding court at Sydney’s Quarter Twenty One, Croser proudly presented his latest super-premium Tapanappa red – 2007 Whalebone Vineyard Merlot Cabernet Franc ($85) – and he used the …