Log in / Sign up Tapanappa Whalebone Vineyard Merlot Cabernet Franc 2009
Tapanappa acquired the then 30-year-old Whalebone Vineyard in 2002 and completely renovated it onto a new trellis supporting a shoot-thinned vertical canopy. There are just 1.2 hectares of Merlot and 0.8 hectares of Cabernet Franc planted in 1974 in the Whalebone Vineyard, possibly the first plantings of those varieties in South Australia.
The 2009 vintage was cooler than average with a heat summation of 1367°C days for the growing season versus the average of 1450°C days. 2009 is remembered for the blistering heat and bushfires at the beginning of February but the heat had little effect on Whalebone Vineyard and the rest of the growing season was significantly cooler than average.
Bottled in February 2011. Only 420 dozen are grown and made.
The flavours are intense but refined with the freshness and vibrancy of Cabernet family blackcurrant and spice accentuated by the smoky and minty hallmarks of the Whalebone terroir. The most endearing aspect of this cool vintage wine is the beautiful and significant tannin structure folding into an even mouth-coating savoury finish.
