Tapanappa Whalebone Vineyard Merlot Cabernet Franc 2015
- 96
- $115
- Drink by: 2025-2035
Share
As always, the opportunity to source a wine already matured by the producers is an opportunity which should not be ignored. This is a blend of 69% Merlot and 31% Cabernet Franc, each variety made separately before the final step of blending. Maturation was in French oak barriques, half of which were new, for twenty months. The result is rather exciting. Under cork. A crimson garnet colour, there is both good maturity and complexity here. The nose exhibits notes of red fruits, bay leaves, truffles, dried herbs, plum pudding, leather, smoked meats and mulberries. A sleek and supple texture, there is fine acidity, good balance and impeccable length. Quite a subtle style, but this in no way suggests it is lacking flavour. An exquisite red which still has a good decade ahead of it.
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.
