2005 Tiers Vineyard

450 cases. Vines planted in 1979. Notably sweet, smooth texture – much silkier than the NZ Chardonnays, Neudorf Moutere 2005 and Ormond 2004, that preceded it. Just the merest hint of coffee and spice (perhaps because of the Vosges oak used? – new and old). Good acidity but texture is really its strong suit, from vines planted in 1979. Some creamy white peach flavours but by no means simple! Bottle too heavy. (JR)

The 2005 Chardonnay “Tiers Vineyard” was sourced from a southern Adelaide Hills 7-acre, 26-year-old vineyard. The wine was barrel-fermented in French oak, 30% new, using native yeasts. Following malolactic fermentation the wine was put back on its lees with regular stirring for 4½ months. After a total 8 months in barrique, it was bottled without filtration. It is medium straw-colored with a toasty vanilla, butterscotch, peach, and creme brulee scented nose. This is followed by a medium-bodied, ripe, nicely balanced wine with tropical fruit flavors and a viscous texture. It has outstanding depth, concentration, and a long, savory finish. Drink it over the next 3-4 years. Tapanappa is a joint venture of the Cazes family of Bordeaux, the Bollinger family of Champagne, and winemaker Brian Croser of Australia. Importer: Palm Bay Imports, Boca Raton, Fl; www.tapanappawines.com.au

Pale yellow. Highly perfumed nose offers a complex array of smoky, leesy citrus and pit fruit aromas underscored by toasty oak and sweet butter. The fresh peach and yellow plum flavors possess impressive depth and are nicely brightened by fresh floral and baking spice notes. Impressively precise for a wine with such flavor impact. The juicy, persistent finish features traces of peach pit and toffeed orange. Lots going on here.