The 2025 Tapanappa Tiers Vineyard Chardonnay is the flagship expression of one of Australia's most iconic Chardonnay vineyards. Crafted by legendary winemaker Brian Croser, this single-vineyard wine comes from the historic Tiers Vineyard in the Piccadilly Valley, Adelaide Hills, a site originally planted in 1979 and widely regarded as one of Australia's greatest Chardonnay vineyards.
The original Tiers Vineyard was the first commercial vineyard planted in the Adelaide Hills, and for more than four decades has produced some of Australia's most celebrated cool-climate Chardonnay. The old, own-rooted vines, combined with the unique Piccadilly Valley terroir, consistently deliver wines of remarkable purity, finesse and longevity. The separate 1.5M Vineyard bottling highlights a different vineyard section, while the classic Tiers Vineyard Chardonnay remains the benchmark expression of the original site.
The 2025 vintage was the warmest, driest and earliest on record in the Piccadilly Valley. Despite the warm season, there were no significant heatwaves, allowing the fruit to ripen evenly while maintaining outstanding natural acidity. The old-vine Chardonnay was harvested several weeks earlier than average, producing fruit with exceptional concentration, energy and balance.
Hand-picked fruit was whole-bunch pressed before fermentation in French oak barriques using indigenous yeasts. The wine matured on full lees for several months, building texture and complexity while preserving the precision and mineral character that define Tiers Vineyard Chardonnay.
The bouquet is intensely aromatic, offering layers of white peach, nectarine, Meyer lemon, grapefruit zest and pear, complemented by notes of brioche, roasted hazelnut, struck flint and subtle spice. The palate is powerful yet impeccably refined, combining concentrated stone fruit with vibrant citrus acidity and the hallmark creamy texture of Tiers Vineyard. A persistent mineral backbone carries through to an exceptionally long, precise finish.
Already captivating in its youth, the 2025 Tiers Vineyard Chardonnay possesses the balance and structure to develop beautifully over the next 15–20 years, joining the long line of legendary Tiers vintages.
Winery: Tapanappa
Region: Piccadilly Valley, Adelaide Hills, South Australia
Vineyard: Tiers Vineyard (Old Block)
Variety: 100% Chardonnay
Vintage: 2025
Alcohol: 13.6% (approx.)
Closure: Stelvin Screwcap
Food Pairing: Butter-poached lobster, grilled John Dory, roast chicken, seared scallops, creamy mushroom risotto, or aged Comté.
