Susan & Michael Papps
Grateful for the lovely words and reviews from the Wine Pilot team, this gave us a chance to quickly look back at the last few years, the two most hardest years that come to mind were 2011 and 2018.
The photo below during the 2011 vintage, was one of the most make-or-break vintages, where decisions and calm heads were paramount to the outcome.
The smiles were from a deep sense of naivety from a vintage we had never seen before, at the core of most of this vintage was following our gut instinct and praying to the wine gods.
A vintage that proved that we had to learn to communicate and make decisions, this is still a work in progress and long as you learn from the mistakes you will move forward.
2018 saw Michael and I both breaking our legs and a near-fatal Pulmonary Embolism to closing the Tasting Room to rethink, reset and recharge.
The re-direction and calmness has been a pivotal moment for us all and we thank our customers and business family for their patience and support.
We are looking forward to the next chapter in our journey to add to the story.
– Susan and Michael Papps
The Barossa’s Yelland and Papps
Susan and Michael Papps established their boutique wine brand in 2005. Since then they have come to know and care for the classic and left of centre varieties. In 2010 they purchased their Nuraip Road property with its own estate vineyard and winery sheds. All wines are fermented with wild yeast, unfined and unfiltered. They are also gently basket pressed and go through natural malolactic fermentation with minimal sulphur additions. The single vineyard labels reflect the stuffing inside, graceful and without adornment. Shanteh Wale Wine Pilot
A Marriage of Yin & Yang
“If you were a biscuit, what would you be?”. A seemingly absurd question, but one asked by UK recruitment firms in their interview process. There is merit… would you hire someone who answered Orange Cream?
Swapping ‘biscuit’ for ‘grape varietal’, I find the question has equal grounds. For a winemaker, it is the equivalent of asking a parent their favourite child. The truth, the start to an excellent story. For Susan Papps (née Yelland) it was an insight into her self-described “Yin and Yang” marriage with Michael Papps, one judging by their wines, where the two are complementary forces.
Tijana Laganin Wine Pilot
Reviews
2022 Single Vineyard Brumeux Roussanne
Acidity rolls in waves and there is a lasting echoing note that seems ‘suspended in time’ – it’s a savoury roast pine nut flavour that provides intrigue. The harmony of this wine is due to the total respect and mastery of the variety whilst maintaining moderate alcohol levels, which should be commended. This may be the most exciting Roussanne I have tried in years.
95 Points | Shanteh Wale
Susan’s answer, ‘Roussanne’ was based on their ‘creative’, ‘experimental’ and ‘risk-taking’ commonalities, this wine proof of that. Brumeux (fog/haze), the stamp of this rebellious Roussanne, where along with its lees, my intrigue is suspended.
91pts Tijana Laganin
(only 30 dozen remaining)
2022 Single Vineyard Roussanne
Grainy pear nectar, fragrant olive oil and preserved lemon are the lasting flavours with a fresh clean finish and moderate alcohol hoorah! This is a wine many textural white wine lovers would adore. It’s full of flavour density and effortless drinking. 93 Points | Shanteh Wale
Van Gough’s ‘Sunflowers’ in the glass and Still Life painting to the senses. An intricately staged cornucopia brimming with apricots, passionfruit, white blossoms and golden delicious apples. 94pts Tijana Laganin
Roussanne is enjoying a bit of a moment right now. More producers are discovering the Rhône Valley grape variety, tuning into its warm depths of flavour and texture. 92 points Jeni Port
2022 Y& P Vin de Soif Grenache, Cinsault, Mataro
I’ve also been told by a French Sommelier íts basically means “for my mouth” and that too is something I wholeheartedly endorse. Here the winemakers of Yelland & Papps are talking less and instead pouring wine into your glass. Merci.
91 Points | Shanteh Wale
94 points Halliday Wine Companion
2022 Single Vineyard Old Vine Grenache
We now talk of a ‘modern’ style of grenache, so as to redefine and separate the grape from its old self. This old vine grenache falls into that new category neatly. The modern style essentially brings the fruit forward and pushes back on the oak. Here, the fruit off old vines is allowed to sing: cherry, roasted plum, pepper, cherry nougat, raspberry bon bon and liquorice aromas.
95 points Jeni Port
Richly concentrated on the nose, the wine then takes a sign of relief and opens like a flower on the palate. Juicy mulberry, rosemary leaf with silky tannins and a lovely sway to the fine line of acidity.
92 Points | Shanteh Wale
Grenache is commonly referred to as the work horse, but according to Susan Papps it is one of the reasons husband Michael is kindred with the varietal. Both quiet achievers that get things done in their own time – the story of Grenache is testament.
95pts Tijana Laganin
2021 Single Vineyard Greenock Shiraz
This 2021 is only beginning to hit its straps, the fruit is pure and the earth tones are grounding. The palate is effortless and acidity soars like an eagle continuing to carry the flavours way beyond the hills. Magnifique.
96 Points | Shanteh Wale
2022 Single Vineyard Cinsault
Supported by a foundation of mulberries, pomegranate, balsamic strawberries and allspice – with a concentration that defies its lighter body.
92pts Tijana Laganin
For a long time, it has enjoyed a home in the Barossa as a blender, but maybe not anymore. This youngster is way too good, too delicious to be anything but a stand-alone treat. It boasts a higher vinous IQ than an immediate introduction reveals with lingering tannins and good structure. Substance, length and flavour – this is one smart wine.
92 points Jeni Port
(limited volumes remaining)
2022 Single Vineyard Estate Syrah
Respect for the land, respect for the fruit and, at 13.1%, respect for the consumer having to wake up the next morning. This Single Vineyard showcases the symbiotic relationship between vineyard and grower, blossomed at the hand of egoless winemaking.
93pts Tijana Laganin
The pepperiness in this wine really brings an added vibrancy and aromatic lift, which is in keeping with what we expect from the use of the term syrah. Is this a deliberate marketing choice? You have to think so. Maybe there are just too many perceived ideas about ‘Barossa shiraz’ but, Barossa syrah?
93 points Jeni Port
(limited volumes remaining)