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Wednesday, 1 November 2023

Foggy Hill Vineyard Definitus Pinot Noir 2021

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/

Follow me: http://twitter.com/TheVinsomniac

Tapanappa Foggy Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir 2022

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/

Follow me: http://twitter.com/TheVinsomniac