Vintage Notes
2015 was a very dry and slightly warmer than average vintage at Tapanappa’s Whalebone Vineyard in Wrattonbully. Only 40% of average rainfall was recorded from late winter (August) to December so flowering occurred in warm dry sunny conditions, promoting early fruit set and a larger than average crop.
A tropical downpour in January maintained vine health through to ripening and harvest in late March.
2015 was a warmer than average vintage at Whalebone Vineyard at 1522ºC days versus the average at 1486ºC days. The warm dry vintage fully ripened the Cabernet and Shiraz at Whalebone Vineyard to a relatively high sugar level and rich ripe flavours.
Winemaking Notes
The hand selected bunches of Cabernet Sauvignon from Whalebone Vineyard and the Shiraz from the adjacent Crayeres Vineyard were destemmed, partially crushed and chilled to 2ºC into 0.9 tonne tubs.
After a 4-day cold maceration, the tubs were inoculated with Tapanappa’s own yeast and were hand plunged each day of the 10 day fermentation. The maximum temperature reached was 34ºC and after the completion of fermentation the tubs were sealed down for a 7-day post fermentation maceration.
The tubs of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz were separately tipped into a small airbag press and pressed straight to French oak barriques, 50% of which were new and the balance one use.
In February 2017 after 20 months in oak barriques, the wines were clear racked from barrique and 85% of Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Shiraz were blended for bottling in March 2017.
The post bottling analysis of Tapanappa 2015 Whalebone Vineyard Cabernet Shiraz is
Alcohol | 14.9% |
pH | 3.53 |
Total Acid | 5.5gpl |
Sulphur | 71ppm |
Volatile Acid | 0.44gpl |
The Taste of the Wine
2015 Tapanappa Whalebone Vineyard Cabernet Shiraz is one of the ripest flavoured vintages from this unique distinguished site. The aroma is of mulberry and cassis with no leafiness and an earthy, smoky Eucalypt bouquet typical of the Whalebone terroir.
The flavours are rich and strong with an underlying fresh varietal complexity including the spiciness of Cabernet and the fresh leather and anise of Shiraz. The tannins are at once creamy and substantial providing a savoury and long finish.
This is an excellent example of Australia’s own red blend and “a pure expression of the unique Whalebone Vineyard terroir.”