Review: Tapanappa Definitus Pinot Noir 2019

Definitus is the absolute big dog of the Tapanappa portfolio. Drawn from a defined set of rows within the Foggy Hill Vineyard, this expression of windswept Fleurieu Peninsula Pinot is always of interest, even if it’s not necessarily a slam dunk wine.

The Tapanappa Definitus Pinot Noir 2019 is a buxom red too, all bright raspberry fruit, cinnamon and clove oak, a rounded mouthful of red fruit that hits like a huge wave. It’s so bold given the lowish alcohol! But once that fruit passes it doesn’t leave much. A big hit of flavour, but it a bit singular – it could almost be Grenache. I can appreciate how smooth and silken it is – but is it the sort of next level wine that the price point commands? I think I’d just take almost two bottles of the ‘standard’ Foggy Hill Pinot tbh.

Best drinking: nowish, but no hurry. 17.7/20, 92/100. 13%, $90. Tapanappa website. Would I buy it? I’d share a bottle.