The Taste of Serendipity

The site may be special but the important question is what is so special about the wine? Tapanappa Whalebone Vineyard Cabernet Shiraz shows a consistency of style and quality that transcends vintage variation. The wine is recognisably Whalebone Cabernet Shiraz from hotter, colder, wetter and dryer vintages.

There is winemaking that respects the "naturalness" of wine and there is winemaking that alters wine composition changing the flavours, aromas and tannin structure, to turn the wine into the style in the mind of the winemaker.

Given competent winemaking, respectful of terroir, the Whalebone Vineyard personality has survived the efforts of at least three winemakers. This ability to stamp its character, style and personality on its wines is the hallmark of a terroir of pedigree.

First and foremost Tapanappa Cabernet Shiraz is the taste of the Whalebone Vineyard. The terroir delivers complexity involving the aroma and flavour of dusty earth and Eucalypt smoke.

The aroma is complex and powerful, dominated by ripe blackberry and plum fruit. Liquorice, cellar earth, clove and leather are layered on the foundation of fruit aroma.

A finely textured palate with a sweet fruit core and dry grainy tannin finish are hallmarks of a wine of pedigree. Tapanappa Whalebone Vineyard Cabernet Shiraz is grown and made to benefit from bottle age.