Tapanappa Tiers Chardonnay 2023
- 97
- $110
- Drink by: 2024-2039
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Tiers has long been one of Australia’s most famous Chardonnays and this latest release will only add to the reputation. First planted in 1979, fermentation was in French oak barriques, one third new. 575 dozen. A dilute lemon hue, there are hints of nutmeg and cashews as the oak integration proceeds. Spices, lemon pith, florals, grapefruit and lemon curd, especially on the palate. There is a tiny tropical note edging in, with a flick of pineapple. An immaculate structure here with oyster shell acidity, knife-edge balance and incredible length. Wow, this is a good Chardonnay. Enjoy it over the next ten to fifteen years. The score has the potential to go even higher in time.
Ken was born and bred in Brisbane, Queensland. He had a non-trendy, perfectly happy childhood, in a family convinced alcohol meant instant condemnation to Hades. But a break fishing on the Great Barrier Reef, and some good wine, started a serious obsession that eventually took over. It did not stop Ken being chastised later for drinking Pol champagne, disgusted he’d drink anything made by a Cambodian dictator. Now, Ken mostly writes on wine, champagne and spirits for various newspapers, magazines and books, but is perhaps best known for his work in The Courier Mail. He also has a little sideline writing on cigars, fishing, travel and food. When not writing, fly-fishing for trout in NZ or bonefish on the flats of Cuba, travelling or smoking cigars, he is no doubt following a variety of sporting teams – the occasionally glorious Queensland Reds rugby, the dysfunctional Washington Redskins, the dodgy Arsenal and especially revels in the world restored to its proper axis with the return of the Ashes to their rightful home.
