Tapanappa
Mastery of South Australian Terroir
A Legacy of Distinguished Sites
Tapanappa is the continuation of pioneering winemaker Brian Croser’s 40-year mission to craft world-class wines from South Australia’s most “Distinguished Sites.” With the next generation of the Croser family closely involved, Brian continues his passion for achieving the finest expression of noble grape varieties in their best-suited terroirs, vintage after vintage.
Three Distinguished Sites
Tiers Vineyard (Piccadilly Valley, 1979) – Planted with Chardonnay, restructured and re-trellised with close-spaced European-style vine training.
Foggy Hill Vineyard (Parawa, Fleurieu Peninsula, 2003) – Planted with Dijon clone Pinot Noir on closely spaced rootstock.
Whalebone Vineyard (Wrattonbully, 1974) – Planted with Cabernet and associated varieties, carefully refined for optimal quality.
The Croser family has invested heavily in refining viticulture across these exceptional sites. Old vines at Tiers and Whalebone have been rejuvenated, while new plantings use superior clones with close spacing and precise training techniques to maximize quality and expression.
2021 Vintage Report
Brian Croser described the 2021 vintage as “perfection in a sea of uncertainty.” In a year marked globally by social unrest, extreme weather, and pandemic-related disruptions, South Australia experienced near-perfect conditions: slightly warmer and drier than average, with sunny, cool, windless days during late March and April.
Tiers Vineyard – Hand-harvested Chardonnay (5 tonnes/ha), moderate sugar, high acidity; fermenting in French oak for intense nectarine flavors and balance.
Foggy Hill Vineyard – Pinot Noir (slightly higher than average yield), clean fruit, moderate color, high acidity; 12.5% alcohol, velvety tannins.
Whalebone Vineyard – Merlot (harvested 24 March), Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc (harvested 10 April); fruit showing perfect color, concentration, and structure.
Despite the challenges of the global context, the 2021 vintage highlights Tapanappa’s ability to combine meticulous viticulture with the natural expression of South Australia’s finest sites.
Philosophy & Approach
Tapanappa wines are crafted to reflect the unique terroir of each vineyard. The family’s focus on vine health, careful clonal selection, and attention to detail in vineyard management ensures that each wine expresses clarity, balance, and the essence of its site.