Recognition

A trio of reviews from Jancis Robinson

Tapanappa, Whalebone Vineyard 2009 Wrattonbully, 16.5+

“Mid blackish ruby. Firm and meaty on the nose. Actually it does not taste dominated by Cabernet. Subtle and appetising. Still with tannins in evidence but very

Tapanappa is a venture between Brian Croser, Bollinger and Chateau Lynch Bages in Bordeaux. Six hundred and eighty dozen of this 84/16 blend of cabernet sauvignon and shiraz were made. It drinks beautifully now, with layered flavours of cassis, violets,

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

This is the perfect gift for the wine-loving relative. A classic Australian blend of cabernet sauvignon and shiraz, generous in flavour and proportion. THis pedigreed single-vineyard wine is sure to impress.

 

An 84/16% blend aged for 22 months in 70% new French oak. Blackcurrant fruit is the main driver, albeit backed up on the mid-palate by more fleshy shiraz; it is medium-bodied, perfectly balanced, the tannins silky, the oak not at

If dad enjoys red wines, the this beautiful drink from Brian Croser’s private vineyard at Wrattonbully might fit the bill. From a cool vintage, this is an elegant Limestone Coast red that has spent 21 months in 70 per cent

From this month’s National Liquor News

Tapanappa Whalebone Vineyard Merlot Cabernet Franc 2009

Ripe and sumptuous yet moderated by the silky texture, spicy flavours and fine-grained tannin impression of the Cabernet Franc.

Tapanappa Whalebone Vineyard Cabernet Shiraz 2009

Lovely black

A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (84%) and Shiraz (16%), the fruit is dazzling, framed up by some exquisite oak treatment.

It’s fairly loaded up with cassis, plum, and beyond that to underlying cedary notes, hints of violet. Multi-faceted, the fruit

My advice is to move fast to secure a bottle or three of this limited new fine wine release from South Aussie winemaker Brian Croser. A striking shiraz that will stand tall for years to come.

Food: Smoked duck
Rating: …

he Whalebone Vineyard reds are always swathed in oak. Unashamedly so. They’re built for the long haul. Still, there’s a rare degree of refinement about them that sets them apart. The vineyard and the fruit is still clearly visible. It’s …