Recognition

2008 Whalebone Vineyard Cabernet Shiraz

I opened this alongside the 2009 version, just to have another look to see if I had changed my mind about vintage preferences. I haven’t, as this still looks the less defined (and delicious) wine

The late Len Evans would doubtless have taken great delight in pointing out the quality of this 70/30% blend, used in the first Petaluma Coonawarra, but not thereafter. This has been made in the same way as the Merlot Cabernet …

A rich, generous, complex red wine brimming with dark fruit, spice, some floral notes and full-flavoured tannins. Perfect to warm you up in the dark, cold depths of winter. Enjoy with hearty dishes.…

There are many reasons this wine could add something to your meal. Tapanappa is winemaker Brian Croser’s venture in which he aims to make very special wines by matching all the component parts exceptionally well – climate, soil, geology, varieties …

John Fordham’s fancies

Tapanappa became legendary vigneron Brian Croser’s new home at Wrattonbully following the sale of his Petaluma empire. This is an outstanding example of Australia’s original signature red blend, dominated by 40-year-old cabernet sauvignon fruit with a powerful

Brian Croser’s Tapanappa venture has been of interest to me since its inception in 2002 and tasting this makes me very pleased that I have some of the 2004 tucked away in the cellar. 70% Cabernet, 30% Shiraz and a

The traditional Australian red blend, beautifully executed. 70 percent cabernet sauvignon, 30 percent shiraz. All French oak.

Has a bit of a swagger to it, this wine. It’s rich, chocolatey, grainy and substantial. Flavours are mostly in the blackberry/plum area …

Grand red with a mint/eucalyptus background – often typical of the Wrattonbully region – pure forest fruits and beautifully managed, cedar, leather, oak-derived layers adding mid-range richness.…