2024 Tapanappa Tiers Vineyard 1.5m Chardonnay

Rich and mouth coating yet energetic with a long driving finish.

In 2003, the Croser family removed 1.3 hectares of the original Tiers Vineyard Chardonnay that was 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 old vine Chardonnay on its own roots, across the centre road in Tiers Vineyard.
Brilliant pale straw colour with green tinged edges and a watery hue. Delightful aromas of white peach and nectarine draped with dried honey sail through the nostrils trailed by some citrusy nougat, whiffs of crème brulee and delicate cashew notes. Rich, concentrated fleshy white peach, ripe nectarine, dried honey and citrusy nougat flavours engulf the palate with a mouth coating textural feel. Crème brulee, biscuit and delicate spicy cashew elements sit in the background. Showing outstanding drive, energetic acidity lends a fresh feel to the long, cream tinged finish.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 13.7%

Other Reviews…..
Fruit is picked from a close-planted block that was planted in '03. This is wonderful chardonnay – all finesse, tension, filigreed minerality, light, savoury undertones and pristine, bright green pear, nectarine and pink grapefruit freshness. Touches of nougat, sea spray and green almond in the mesh of characters here. A suggestion of flint and wet slate lend credence and complexity, too. Very precise and energetic, and extends long in flavour and persistence of minerality. Class act. Drink by 2035.
96 Points
Mike Bennie – James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion

From a close planted block established in 2003. Bernard clones 76 and 95. It’s distinctly different to the Tiers old vine Chardonnay as a result, and I tend to think it’s the clonal selection that’s the biggest point of difference.

Pear, grapefruit, green banana, almond biscotti and spice, bread dough and some honey/floral perfume, with just a tiny bit of matchstick. It’s juicy and flavoursome, but tight in acidity, with a distinctly flinty texture, along with a creamy nougat richness, and a tight citrus finish of excellent length. Wonderful wine. Drink 2025-2034+
95 Points
Gary Walsh – The Wine Front

The close spaced planting of this part of the Tiers vineyard imparts a slightly different flavour and textural feel to the Chardonnays from the old Tiers plantings. Intense aromas of tropical fruits, brioche and spices. The palate is ripe and textured although the chalky acid and light citrus edge hold the definition and line through to the long finish. Supremely balanced with the oak and fruit integration seamless and refined. Excellent wine. Drink 2025-2037.
96 Points
Ray Jordan – WinePilot.com