Tapanappa Foggy Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir 2024

Tapanappa Foggy Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir 2024

  07:40    Stu.

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Citrus oil, satsuma plum, hibiscus - the former is something I've seen previously in renditions of this wine, it's not something that one might necessarily expect in a maritime influenced Pinot Noir, but I stand by my convictions.

The body belies its modest 12.7% alcohol, with fine graphite tannins and a flint-like edge giving substance. It's savoury, with a subtle mushroom - and building to a forest floor presence - with what might be a little liquid smoke. Another fine representation from this impressive vineyard. 94

Tasted on: Sunday 19th October

Source: Sample
Price: $60
Alcohol: 12.7%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: tapanappa.com.au

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Tapanappa Foggy Hill Pinot Noir 2023

Tapanappa Foggy Hill Pinot Noir 2023

  09:54    Stu.

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Beautiful expression of Pinot Noir and of Foggy Hill, of course.

Plum, dark cherry, a lingering undertow of spice, a dab seasoned oak adding its signature.

The palate is exquisitely framed: darker fruit presence, it feels polished, a suggestion of newer oak here. Lovely firming tannins, on an excellent length. Lovely depth of flavour, black tea building through the finish. Quite reserved at this juncture, excellent promise ahead. A yes here. 94

Tasted on: Tuesday 8th October
Source: Sample
Price: $60
Alcohol: 13.6%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://tapanappa.com.au/

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Foggy Hill Vineyard Definitus Pinot Noir 2021

Foggy Hill Vineyard Definitus Pinot Noir 2021

  14:51    Stu.

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November 1st 2023 sees the release of this wine - along with the accompany Tapanappa Foggy Hill Pinot Noir 2021.

On the occasion of the twentieth anniversary of the establishment of the Foggy Hill vineyard, winemaker Brian Croser - accompanied by wife Ann - embarked on a series of tasting and dinners to celebrate this milestone.

Whilst the Definitus wasn't part of that tasting, opportunity afforded to review it post. The Definitus is akin to a block level wine, the Definitus strip being a sub-ridge formed where ferruginuous sandstone comes close to the surface. It also marks a delineation between two rows of two Bernard Clones (115 and 117, planted in 2003). Winemaker code for: "I think I've something rather special here".

A darker manifestation, of blackberry with some Rosella like relief. Slightly sapid hints, not whole bunch, of depth and intensity.

A delicacy on entry, a light hand, seemingly at odds with the darker elements that introduce the wine. A burst of flavour that reminds of the pop of aromatic from a freshly pierced orange skin - atypical Pinot in my frame if reference, but there nonetheless.

Through the finish a pop of cassis like brilliance, bright and prime with a long tail of flavour through fine and persistent tannins. At turns it feels youthful, yet with a position that suggests longevity. 95

Tasted on: Tuesday 24th October
Source: Sample
Price: $90
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://tapanappa.com.au/

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Tapanappa Foggy Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir 2022

Tapanappa Foggy Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir 2022

  14:38    Stu.

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Foggy Hill is Brian Croser's latest (albeit one twenty years in the making) passion project, down on the Southern tip of the Fleurieu.

Cool, maritime influenced, the site for this stunningly consistent Pinot. 

Leads with a floral, rose-raspberry mix over Sage. Spice - pepper and Chinese five spice - linger in the background, supplementing the initial brighter aromatics with added depth.

The palate is deep, rich - with a balance of tight and fine tannins, with a freshening acidity in the mix. Finishes long, with an appealing mineral like pucker. Offers finesse, elegance, yet without sacrificing depth of flavour - there's longevity here for sure, if you can keep your mitts off that is. 94

Tasted on: Sunday 22nd October
Source: Sample
Price: $60
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: https://tapanappa.com.au/

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Tapanappa Definitus Pinot Noir 2018

Tapanappa Definitus Pinot Noir 2018

  08:30    Stu.

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For a fuller background description as to the origins of the Definitus, please refer to the 2017 review.

A very expressive example from the off. Wonderful aromatics, yet cast that aside and take delight in the sheer power and depth across the palate.

Tight and minerally tannin is bound up on the palate, supporting an initial fruit presence that yields to the Asian spice that penetrates long across the middle. 96

Tasted on: Sunday 14th March

Source: Sample
Price: $90
Alcohol: 14%
Closure: Cork
Website: https://tapanappa.com.au/

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Tapanappa Foggy Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir 2019

Tapanappa Foggy Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir 2019

  08:30    Stu.

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Sour cherry and dark fruit profile, touch more of the savoury - almost hedgerow, stem like - than I necessarily recall.

For that depth of aromatics, it carries a lightness to itself; silken in its flow across the palate and not sacrificing length nor depth of flavour.

Tannin is exemplary: both fine and minerally. A quiet achiever, needs time or cellaring. 93+

Tasted on: Saturday 6th March
Source: Sample
Price: $55
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Cork
Website: https://tapanappa.com.au/

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Tapanappa Definitus Foggy Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir 2017

Tapanappa Definitus Foggy Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir 2017

  17:30    Stu.

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Something akin to a block level wine off the Fleurieu's Foggy Hill Vineyard. The Definitus strip being a sub-Ridge formed where ferruginuous sandstone comes close to the surface. The strip also marks a delineation between two rows of two Bernard Clones (115 and 117, planted in 2003).

Highly perfumed, violets, sour cherry, slight spirited/lifted note. Starts segueing to black fruit hints, as though they're being summoned from the wine's depths.

Light, fine tannin, makes its presence known initially. Carries with it a dark presentation, earthy and coffee grounds like in profile. 

Latterly it asserts itself, dark and pronounced, it's tight and closed at this juncture - cellar for a minimum of five years, drink over a further five to fifteen. 93 

Tasted on: Tuesday 4th June, a Root to Flower day 
Source: Sample
Price: $90
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Cork
Website: https://tapanappa.com.au

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Tapanappa Foggy Hill Pinot Noir 2017

Tapanappa Foggy Hill Pinot Noir 2017

  16:00    Stu.

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Does nothing to supress my urge to visit this site. Looking very good this 2017 vintage, even if it warmer than average - not always great for the variety at hand - but the seasonal warmth only tells one aspect, for the preceding winter was gloriously wet, given the dormant vines a good drink. And in return how they reward us.

Sour Cherry, Leaf matter, meaty, with mushroom skins. Beautifully savoury Pinot Noir.

Soft, silken - like a scarf, threading its way across the palate. Has a slight woody, burnt ends and undercurrent of caramelisation to it. Further reinforcing its savoury credentials, backed up with a resurrection of fruit presence. Impressive. 93

Tasted on: Sunday 30th September 
Source: Sample
Price: $55
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Cork
Website: https://tapanappa.com.au

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Tapanappa Foggy Hill Pinot Noir 2016

Tapanappa Foggy Hill Pinot Noir 2016

  08:30    Stu.

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Carries such an exquisite perfume, this doesn't need to be consumed to derive satisfaction, that alone can come from taking in its seduction through the olfactory organ. 

Such Pinosity. An impressive mix of plummy black fruit, a suggestion of caramel oak - just 30% new - that asserts an authority through the palate. 

The tannin is fine, embedded and simply a delight to take hold in the mouth. 94 

Tasted on: Monday 26th June, a Leaf day 
Source: Sample
Price: $55
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Cork
Website: https://tapanappa.com.au

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Zonte's Footstep Scarlet Ladybird Rosé 2017

Zonte's Footstep Scarlet Ladybird Rosé 2017

  14:30    Stu.

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A Rosé of Cabernet (65%) and Grenache (35%), unusual bedfellows one suggests.

Regardless, berry hints and flecks of spice too. Don't let the colour deceive. 

Good fruit and acid balance, the former hitting initially before the latter takes over. Generous length of flavour. Whilst not bone dry, has a sufficient snappiness to it and fullness of body. 89 

Tasted on: Monday 22nd January, a Flower to Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $20
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.zontesfootstep.com.au/

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Zonte's Footstep 'Lady Marmalade' Vermentino 2017

Zonte's Footstep 'Lady Marmalade' Vermentino 2017

  08:30    Stu.

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Green apple, freshly podded peas, snow pea tendril, briny-seaspray-on the wind scents. Wonderfully aromatic, capturing the essence of the variety.  

Lavish in its initial offering, full - glycerol almost. Grapefruit, curd, a suggestion of passionfruit - somewhat unusually. 

It's fresh, expressly so, and that is its primary offer. It delivers freshness in spades, even if it lacks the complexity of better examples. Very enjoyable. 89 

Tasted on: Thursday 11th January, a Flower day 
Source: Sample
Price: $20
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.zontesfootstep.com.au/

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Zonte's Footstep Avalon Tree Fleurieu Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

Zonte's Footstep Avalon Tree Fleurieu Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

  08:30    Stu.

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Leaf, tobacco, bay - touch of gum. It's kinda Autumnal, when the deciduous trees are shedding their leafery, dropping to the ground and drying up. I used to love walking through such piles of gathered leaves. 

Dusty, spiced, fair gobfuls of flavour. Not the most vital of Cabs, but you could see it easily winning folk over. 

Minor back palate bitterness my only real quibble. 88 

Tasted on: Tuesday 25th April, a Leaf day
Source: Sample
Price: $25
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.zontesfootstep.com.au/

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Zonte's Footsteps Canto di Lago 2015

Zonte's Footsteps Canto di Lago 2015

  08:30    Stu.

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A trio of Italians in this blend, being Sangiovese (75%), Barbera (20%), and Lagrein (5%).

Quite a powerful mix, sour cherry leads and provides significant aromatics to the wine. Pomegranate molasses, certainly something sweet and syrupy. Florals - a complex aromatic mix.

Medium bodied, berry fruit, a surge of spice; juicy back palate with some fine-grained tannin. You could see how this could work with a variety of foodstuffs: lapping up tomato pasta, antipasto or something off of the grill. 90 

Tasted on: Monday 10th April, a Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $25
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.zontesfootstep.com.au

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Zonte's Footstep Scarlet Ladybird Rosé 2016

Zonte's Footstep Scarlet Ladybird Rosé 2016

  05:35    Stu.

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Red berry, boiled lolly, very cranberry-esque in how it presents itself. Suggestive of a little higher seasoning

Berry driven entry, quite a substantive wine, full volume, fair bit of residual sweetness balanced against tart, lemony acid. 

Might smash alright on a warm Summer's day. 87 

Tasted on: Tuesday 23rd August, a Fruit day
Source: Sample
Price: $18
Alcohol: ?
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.zontesfootstep.com.au/

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Tapanappa Foggy Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir 2013

Tapanappa Foggy Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir 2013

  12:01    Stu.

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Foggy Hill is a site that I yearn to visit. I've only taken the Southward drive down the Fleurieu coast the once, but I simply love that coastal drive, the child-like rolling hills that simply form, one into the other. I'll get there one day. Until then, I'm highly appreciative of the opportunity to see what the site can produce.

Harvested two weeks earlier than 'normal' - although I am unsure what normal is anymore - stated to be 0.3% degrees lower in alcohol and $2 cheaper than the 2012 edition.

Sap and stem are still familiar components on the nose. Less forward, less of the prune and liqueur, instead I see it as the sweetness of new growth, a little muscovado sweetness that makes way for a little dried herb as the wine opens up.

Spice, sweet oak; nicely weighted - touch of textural nuance here. Silken, rounded out feel on the palate -  red berry fruit carrying long strands of elegant tannin. A different wine to the '12 for sure, no monoculture here. 92+

Tasted on: Monday 23rd February, a Leaf to Fruit day
Source: Sample
Price: $49
Alcohol: 13.9%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: tapanappa.com.au

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Tapanappa Foggy Hill Pinot Noir 2012

Tapanappa Foggy Hill Pinot Noir 2012

  07:52    Stu.

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Bold wine on show here, touches of liqueur, with sappy notes suggestive of the inclusion of some stems. This is fine Pinot.

Carries weight, depth and breadth - big and balanced with hints of sweet oak. Still needs a little time to settle into itself, a bit like the teenager that has shot up in stature.

Silken, fine tannin - you just simply cannot escape that depth of flavour that haunts and follows with an impressive. 94

Tasted on: Friday 5th December, a Fruit to Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $51
Alcohol: 14.2%
Closure: Cork
Website: https://tapanappa.com.au

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Waywood Wines Pinot Grigio 2011

Waywood Wines Pinot Grigio 2011

  10:30    Stu.

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Opened this alongside the Te Aro Pinot Grigio, an interesting comparison regardless of differences in vintage and region.

Lovely clarity to the wine, a faint golden tinge to it.  Pronounced apple and pear - good aroma - a hint of blossom, some citrus providing further allure.

Weightier on the palate, the extra degree of alcohol showing itself, a broader profile - some might say it's straying toward Gris territory.

A hint of spice of the finish, acid a little angular, works with the spicier elements to provide a little extra dimension.  88/ 89 - Good

Source: Sample

Price: $130/ 6 pack or $110/ 6 to members

Alcohol: 13%

Closure: Screwcap

Website: http://www.waywoodwines.com

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Vinteloper Pinot Gris 2010

Vinteloper Pinot Gris 2010

  13:32    Stu.

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With just 65 cases made, it comes as no surprise that this wine is now sadly sold out ex-winery.  Vinteloper is David Bowley, a gent I consider a mate, a winemaker I consider a great talent - as his recent nomination for the Young Gun of Wine testifies.

I first tasted this wine back at a Vinteloper dinner in May 2011.  What impressed me then was the minerality found in the wine.On second taste, I was relieved to see this hadn't gone away.  

The fruit for this wine comes from a vineyard located 11KMs from the coast in the heart of the beautiful Fleurieu Peninsula.  The soil, a deep gravelly clay loam, is considered by David to be the wine's foundation - good wine is made in the vineyard.

A fragrant bouquet of the usual suspects: apple, pear, even a touch of brazil nut (i know, i know); entry shows an initial hit of spice before the aforementioned minerality kicks in.  

Good texture in the wine results in broad appeal across the palate.  The finish is crisp, fresh and bone dry - a mere 1.2 G/L residual sugar. 

Source: Winery

Price: $27

Alcohol: 13%

Closure: Screwcap 

Website: www.vinteloper.com.au

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