Cabernet Sauvignon (85%), Shiraz (15%) fruit grown on the 37 million year old soils of the Tapanappa Whalebone vineyard. Bottled under cork. 2019 was warm and dry, and ‘meagre’ harvest of 2.5 tonnes per hectare due to poor fruit set in late spring. Winemaker is the esteemed Brian Croser.

Tapanappa, Whalebone Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Wrattonbully, 2019

Fragrant violets and earth with cedar, dried mint, blackberry fruit strap, pencil graphite, plum sauce, salt crystals, anise spice and some inky umami. Medium fleshed with length and complex layering, like the earth it comes from. Stays fresh through the tail while being ably supported by drying, savoury, fine tannin. Has all the structure and hallmarks for long-term ageing.

RRP: $60
Alc: 14%
Rating: 94/100

Wine sample courtesy of Tapanappa