Tapanappa Foggy Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir 2023

Product Description

The 2023 Tapanappa Foggy Hill Pinot Noir is a stunning example of the unique Foggy Hill terroir, showcasing the purity and freshness of the region’s cool climate. This low-crop, very cool vintage yields a delicate, light-to-medium intensity Pinot Noir with a vibrant red to purple hue. The wine’s aromatic profile is defined by fresh rose florals and macerated strawberry, complemented by the unmistakable Chinese five-spice element that is a signature of the Foggy Hill terroir. On the palate, the wine is light and lilting, with a sweet fruit core balanced by savoury tannins and a structured mouthfeel. A lingering, savoury aftertaste rounds off this elegant and expressive wine. The 2023 vintage is a pure reflection of perfectly ripe cool-climate fruit, offering a typical expression of the unique Foggy Hill terroir.

Maker:

Tapanappa is the product of a vision that spans decades and generations. Founded by Brian Croser, one of the pioneers of the Adelaide Hills wine scene, Tapanappa continues his legacy of innovation and quality that began with the creation of Petaluma. Tapanappa’s story is one of dedication, commitment, and passion, which has shaped the modern wine culture of the region. After Petaluma was taken over in 2001, the Croser family retained ownership of their home and the iconic Tiers Chardonnay vineyard, the birthplace of what would become Tapanappa.

In 2002, Brian and his wife Ann, in partnership with the Cazes family of Château Lynch-Bages and Bollinger Champagne, established Tapanappa. The French partners stayed with the winery until 2014 when the Crosers regained full control of the Piccadilly Valley winery and cellars, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the Tapanappa story. Today, the winery is run by Brian’s daughter Lucy and her husband Xavier Bizot, with their son-in-law Sam Barlow overseeing winemaking. Their hands-on involvement ensures that Tapanappa’s wines continue to reflect the values of the Croser family: precision, authenticity, and respect for the land.

The name “Tapanappa” is deeply tied to the philosophy that guides the Croser family’s approach to winemaking. Derived from the 550-million-year-old geological formation beneath the Fleurieu Peninsula, it means “sticking to the path” in the local Aboriginal language. This philosophy is evident in their vineyard selection process—by carefully matching climate, soil, and geology to the right grape varieties, Brian Croser has ensured that each wine is a true expression of its terroir. Tapanappa’s commitment to authenticity is reflected in their meticulous approach to viticulture and winemaking, creating wines that honour their origins while embracing innovation.

Vineyard | Foggy Hill Vineyard:

The Foggy Hill Vineyard, located at the highest point of the Fleurieu Peninsula in Parawa, is an exceptional site for Pinot Noir. Sitting at 300 to 350 meters above sea level, it benefits from the cooling influence of the nearby Great Southern Ocean, just 8 kilometers to the south. The vineyard's ironstone-rich soils, derived from ancient sediments, offer excellent drainage and moderate fertility, which combined with the maritime climate, create the perfect conditions for slow ripening, enhancing the aromatic complexity of Pinot Noir. The warm nights and cooler days at Foggy Hill ensure balanced vine growth, while the vineyard’s steep slopes and low yields from carefully managed vines result in highly concentrated fruit.

Planted in 2003 with a focus on producing high-quality Pinot Noir, the vines are grown at close spacing (1.5 meters by 1.5 meters) and yield small, intensely flavored bunches. The vineyard’s unique terroir—cool, humid, and even—encourages the ethereal qualities of Pinot Noir, often described as the "peacock’s tail." After hand-harvesting, the fruit undergoes cold maceration and fermentation in small tubs, with extended maturation in French oak barriques. The result is a wine of exceptional elegance, texture, and aromatic complexity, with each vintage reflecting the distinguished character of the Foggy Hill site.

Tasting Notes

NOSE
Floral & Aromatic
Fresh rose florals, macerated strawberry, and a distinctive Chinese five-spice note, all highlighting the purity of the Pinot Noir varietal.

PALATE
Light & Savoury
Sweet fruit core balanced by savoury tannins, with a smooth mouthfeel and vibrant acidity that adds depth and structure.

FINISH
Lingering & Savoury
A lasting aftertaste, defined by the savoury tannins and crisp, cool-climate freshness, ensuring an elegant finish.

Reviews + Accolades: 

One of the prettiest vintages of this wine - Shanteh Wale, Wine Pilot - 95 Points

Fine architecture here and overall, poise and charm. - Mike Bennie, WBM Magazine - 95 Points

If quiet elegance were a wine, this would be the embodiment - Katrina Butlet, Halliday Wine Companion - 95 Points

Light-bodied, yes, but there is power and poise. - Ray Jordan, Wine Pilot - 95 Points

The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal -  Pinot Noir
Country - Australia
Region - Piccadilly Valley, South Australia
Vintage - 2023
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 13.6%