2008 Tapanappa Whalebone Vineyard Merlot Cabernet Franc

Tapanappa is a winery that has been on my hit list for many years, but i have only tried a handful of their wines.

The Whalebone has an almost floral nose with rich supportive oak and attractive plum and violet, when tasted in a bracket of aged Cabernet / Merlot wines it really stood out in a positive way.

The wine is Merlot dominant and a great representation of what can be done in Australia with the much maligned variety. Oak adds a vanillin richness, the wine finishes with gentle spice and drying grainy tannins with enough fruit weight to be balanced and seamless.