Tapanappa Tiers Vineyard 1.5M Chardonnay 2020

This wine hails from the celebrated Tiers Vineyard, but there are subtle differences at play which imbues it with a different personality to the Tiers flagship wine.

• It’s younger in vine age, planted 2003.
• It’s planted to French Bernard clones and is earlier ripening.
• It’s close-planted, hence the reference to 1.5M (1.5 metre spacing).

There’s a generous ripeness that is countered by a racy acidity. Acid hounds will enjoy the mouth-watering smack of juiciness and lemony clean finish. The lifted scent of lemon blossom, nougat, apple and white peach on the bouquet sets the scene. Fermentation in French oak barriques (one third new) then brings a real touch of texture and balance. Fruit intensity comes courtesy of a very good vintage, but it is the combination of the almost Chablis-like acid crunch that leaves the most lasting – and long – impression. Overall, it’s one smart chardonnay from one of Australia’s great chardonnay makers of which only 200 dozen were produced in 2020.