To explain the 1.5m labelling:

“In 2003 the Croser family removed 1.3 hectares of the original Tiers Vineyard Chardonnay (planted in 1979 in the Piccadilly Valley as the first Adelaide Hills vineyard). The area was replanted with the French Bernard clones 76 and 95 on rootstocks on very close 1.5 metre row spacing with the fruiting wire at only 0.5 metres above the ground. This unique vineyard section produces earlier ripening, fuller flavoured Chardonnay than the 1979 old vine Chardonnay on own roots across the centre road in Tiers Vineyard. So unique is this small area of Chardonnay that we made the decision to bottle it separately from the 2015 vintage onwards.”

2023 was the coolest of the last 4 (inc 2020, 21, 22). It was even cooler than average and only 2nd coldest of the new millennium since the 2011 vintage. Picked over 2 days on April 12th and 13th, 2 weeks later than average, making it one of the latest harvests for Tapanappa ever.
Cool fermentation in 1/3rd new French oak barriques. Maturation on full lees until November before being racked clear and bottled.

Tapanappa, Tiers Vineyard, 1.5m, Chardonnay, Piccadilly Valley, 2023

Pale lemon with green highlights. Fruit focused, but remaining delicate and intense. Pear, apple, sherbet, warm cinnamon spice, grapefruit and preserved lemon citrus, clove oil and torn brioche. Delicate texture, with precision and focus. Pomme fruit and grapefruit echoes after a ramrod straight line of flavour. Savoury spice hovers over the just medium bodied frame. A close of richness to give a coda of power.

RRP: $90
Alc: 12.5%
Rating: 95/100

Wine sample courtesy of Tapanappa