The 2016 vintage was one of the most exceptional of the 2010’s in McLaren Vale. Good winter rains in 2015 and a mild dry Spring led to terrific fruit set across all varieties. A typical Clarendon Summer was broken up with some welcome rain in January and February, with Shiraz the first fruit harvested on 26th February. Steady mild conditions continued throughout February and March allowing for gradual sugar accumulation, creating fruit with great colour and flavour concentration.
An excellent example of what Merlot can achieve in Australia; delicate, modest yet persistent. Aromas of cranberry, sandalwood, anise and cocoa. Cranberry follows to the palate with cherry and a little dark chocolate.
August, 2018
Jane Faulkner - Halliday Wine Companion
2016 Vintage
It’s an impressive merlot from heady fragrance – a hint of cassis, florals, dried herbs and cedary oak – to its exceptionally silky, fuller-bodied palate. It builds flavour, the tannins sitting pretty and the finish as long as tomorrow. Makes you fall in love with merlot big time.
95 points
August, 2018
Editor - Qwine
2016 Vintage
Such an elegant expression of Merlot. From vines planted in 1989 and 1976 sitting 220-245m above. The wine spent fifteen months in fine grain Bordeaux barrels, 25% which were new. Deft touches of fruit and oak swim in unison. Superfine through the mouth, whispers of clove and cigar box dance through effortlessly atop a pillow of dark plummy goodness. Soft and gorgeously long, a clever wine indeed. Will age for a decade+
95 points
November, 2018
Huon Hoke - HuonHooke.com
2016 Vintage
Deep red/purple colour, with an impressive aroma of blueberry, raspberry and spicy oak backing. A hint of almond. The wine is bright and intense in the mouth, medium to full-bodied, its exuberant fruit tempered by savoury tannins and fresh acidity. A very classy merlot, beautifully balanced and leaning more to the dark-fruit style than the tobacco or olivaceous style.
94 points