Log in / Sign up Tapanappa Tiers Vineyard Chardonnay 2021
The name “Tapanappa” is inspired by the 550-million-year-old geological formation that underlies the Fleurieu Peninsula where the Croser family have a coastal property and their newest vineyard, Foggy Hill. The word Tapanappa is derived from the local aboriginal language, implying “sticking to the path”. This is exactly the philosophy Brian Croser has employed in selecting his Distinguished Sites matching the climate, soil, and geology of a location to the right varieties and fastidiously managing the vineyard to make unique Australian “terroir” driven wines.
Nestled in the heart of the Piccadilly Valley, part of the Adelaide Hills region, Brian Croser's Tiers vineyard boasts a rich history, with its vines initially planted in 1979, marking a pioneering start in the area. The vineyard's unique microclimate mirrors that of Burgundy, particularly the southern expanse of the Cotes de Beaune, home to iconic terroirs like Montrachet and Meursault. This Chardonnay, meticulously crafted through fermentation in French oak barriques (including one-third new), has gracefully matured on full lees until January 2022.
In the glass, it reveals a brilliant pale straw hue, accentuated by a subtle glint of green at its periphery, while a delicate, watery edge adds to its allure. The aromas are pronounced and intoxicating, with white peach, nectarine, and citrus taking center stage, complemented by hints of biscuity oak, grapefruit, and a subtle echo of gun flint. The palate enchants with its impeccable intensity and power, elegantly balanced by a refreshing refinement. It inundates the senses with the luscious notes of white peach and nectarine, intertwined with grapefruit, delicate citrus-infused honey, biscuity oak, almonds, and nuances of gun flint, weaving a tapestry of complexity.
This captivating journey culminates in a wonderfully long and vibrant finish that lingers on the palate, leaving an indelible memory.
Sea bass with fennel purée, wild mushrooms and slow roast tomatoes, white truffles. Hazelnut-crusted chicken or fish.
This vintage of Tiers exudes self-assured confidence, displaying a restrained elegance akin to Puligny more than Meursault, and it eschews excessive fanfare in favor of a poised demeanor. It already reveals an outstanding complexity on the nose, where notes of melon, citrus, and florals harmoniously intertwine with beautifully integrated oak. A subtle hint of praline adds to the aromatic tapestry.
The palate exhibits a distinct tightness that coexists with a delightful fruit delicacy and a gentle finesse that seamlessly complements its creamy texture. These elements are exquisitely balanced by bright acidity, leading to a prolonged, chalky finish. This vintage of Tiers is impeccably calibrated, standing as a testament to greatness, if not one of the finest.
