2025 Tapanappa Tiers Vineyard Chardonnay

Finely detailed and restrained with chalky mineral infused acidity lending a tense feel across the long flinty finish.

Located in the Piccadilly Valley within the Adelaide Hills region, Brian Croser’s Tiers vineyard was planted in 1979 making it the first in the region. It is perfectly suited to Chardonnay being a closely matched homo-clime of Burgundy, especially the southern end of the Cotes de Beaune where the great wines of Montrachet and Meursault are grown. Fermented in French oak barriques (one third new) the wine was then aged on full lees until November 2025.

Brilliant pale straw colour with green tinted edges and a watery hue. Elevated nectarine and pear scents intermix with roasted almond, subtle biscuity nougat, faint lemon butter and gun flint notes. Showing a touch more elegance and restraint than the 2025 Tapanappa Tiers Vineyard 1.5m Chardonnay, the palate is finely detailed with pear and nectarine fruits which meld into a subtle dried honey, roasted almond, citrusy nougat and mineral flint back drop. Showing good mid palate flesh, chalky mineral infused acidity lends a tense feel across the long flinty finish.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 13.7%

Other Reviews….
One Australia’s more famous Chardonnays and certainly one which influenced many wines which followed it. The vineyard was originally planted in 1979. Despite the unique conditions for this vintage, the yield was around average, at seven tonnes per hectare. Fermentation was in French oak barriques, with 1/3rd of them new, before spending time on lees until it was bottled. 1,150 dozen made. If Brian had any concerns as to whether the unique conditions would impact adversely on this wine, the evidence in bottle is very much to the contrary. Pale yellow/gold in colour, there is immediate evidence of the complexity already building. There is serious concentration and laser-like focus here. The nose gives us aromas weaving through grilled cashews, nectarines, oatmeal, stone fruits and hazelnuts. The oak integration is immaculate. A wine of such length and balance, it surely has a thrilling future. Enjoy it over the next fifty years, but will cellar well and should go further if one has the patience. Good luck finding a White Burgundy of this quality at this price. Stunning stuff. Drink 2026-2076.
98 Points
Ken Gargett – WinePilot.com

This is upper-class stuff. This has a silky, rich texture but sits at medium weight, a sheen of saline minerality, a light pucker of chalk and pumice stone, green apple, light brioche notes, faint candied citrus characters and a very lengthy trail of sweet spice and a dash of coconut bun happening, too. Through all of this, a zesty core of brine and lemony zing, refreshing things aptly. A lot going on in this larger-than-life wine, offering a full experience. And very good for it. Drink by 2032.
96 Points
Mike Bennie - James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion

The fruit flavours feel ripe, there’s complexity aplenty, flint notes make the nose feel especially lively and the push of fruit through the finish has plenty of extras. This is an excellent chardonnay at the least; if not outstanding. It tastes of nectarine, grapefruit, sweet citrus, flint and nougat and from start to finish it really sings. Texture-wise it’s really quite beautiful too. Super wine. Drink 2026-2032+
96 Points
Campbell Mattinson – The Wine Front