Tapanappa 1.5M Chardonnay 2021

A big step up here from the Piccadilly label, with fruit off a portion of the Tiers vineyard replanted in 2003 with Burgundian clones at higher density than the original plots. Very pale in colour and embryonic, this is still very much in its shell although already displays a strong Burgundian look and feel with a Meursault-like combination of power and poise. Aromas are of citrus and chalk, siting over nougat and crushed cashew complexity plus spicy oak with exceptional purity and focus. The palate is compact yet powerful with mouth filling extract before tightening up with tangy acidity which drives it through to a long, strong finish. It actually improved over two or three days tasting, slowly opening up but also retaining its streamlined shape. Exceptional and only a whisker behind Tiers from the same vintage, which makes this wine outstanding value for money.