Tapanappa Tiers Vineyard Chardonnay 2025
- 98
- $110
- Drink by: 2026-2076
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One Australia’s more famous Chardonnays and certainly one which influenced many wines which followed it. The vineyard was originally planted in 1979. Despite the unique conditions for this vintage, the yield was around average, at seven tonnes per hectare. Fermentation was in French oak barriques, with 1/3rd of them new, before spending time on lees until it was bottled. 1,150 dozen made. If Brian had any concerns as to whether the unique conditions would impact adversely on this wine, the evidence in bottle is very much to the contrary. Pale yellow/gold in colour, there is immediate evidence of the complexity already building. There is serious concentration and laser-like focus here. The nose gives us aromas weaving through grilled cashews, nectarines, oatmeal, stone fruits and hazelnuts. The oak integration is immaculate. A wine of such length and balance, it surely has a thrilling future. Enjoy it over the next fifty years, but will cellar well and should go further if one has the patience. Good luck finding a White Burgundy of this quality at this price. Stunning stuff.
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.
