Tapanappa Wines (a partnership between the Croser family, the Bollinger family and the Cazes family, of Chateau Lynch Bages) has decided to bring its Australian distribution in-house. Since its foundation in 2005, Tapanappa has been distributed by Fine Wine Partners, and there is no suggestion of any discord between FWP and Tapanappa.
During his time at the helm of Petaluma, Brian Croser tried various distribution methods and arrangements, so in one sense it’s no surprise to read of the change. The fact that Tapanappa produces less than 5000 cases of its Wrattonbully Whalebone red, Fleurieu Peninsula pinot and Piccadilly Valley (Adelaide Hills) chardonnay is at once a strength and a weakness. Given that a significant amount of the Tapanappa production is exported, the numbers for Australia shrink considerably. Nonetheless, there is all the administration, hands-on phone and other contact that will be taken on by General Manager Xavier Bizot, alongside his wife and Tapanappa’s Business Manager, Lucy Croser.
