Tapanappa Whalebone Vineyard Merlot Cabernet Franc 2015

The decision to re-release the 2015 red blend is deliberate. The year, a cool vintage, is intended as a comparison with the new release 2021 Whalebone Vineyard red blend, also from a cool year. The comparisons are there (minus, of course, the role of Cabernet Sauvignon in this instance), especially the juiciness of the fruit which is still very evident and quite fresh. This is a most re-assuring sign in a 10-year-old Aussie red. Take in the aromatics: violets, sage, anise, a whisper of bay leaf, earth and crushed herbs with black fruits plum and cherry. It’s an enticing start, one mixed with freshness and a slow developing complexity which still has a way to go on its journey. There is a sweetness of fruit on the palate, a pepperiness and strong herbal influence with an incense-like vanillin oak feature. Many will consider the mix of freshness with age a good reason to broach now. And why not?