CLARENDON HILLS Brookman Vineyard Merlot, McLaren Vale Clarendon Hills’ Brookman Vineyard is among the highest in McLaren Vale, 250m higher and 10km north-east of the McLaren Vale township. The vines were planted on clay soils in the late 1960s and are dry-grown. Grapes are hand-picked 2-3 weeks later than on the flats, following a long, mild and generally consistent ripening period. Fermentation as whole berries, using wild yeasts, precedes 18 months maturation in tight-grained French Oak, 85% new, the rest between one and four years old. The final wine is a barrel selection. Brookman Merlot is noted for mulberry and blackcurrant fruit, spice and Christmas cake aromas, opulence, richness of flavour and softness with finely balanced tannins.

AROMA: Evoking notes of blackberry, ripe fig, and Arabic coffee. PALATE: It retains an unlikely softness given its serious long-term potential; its silky elegance is deceptive.

The 2016 vintage offers a clarity of vision that will allow 2016 Heartland One to grow and prosper for many years to come. The intensity of this wine provides all the impetus required for long term cellaring, while the deft handling of oak and the finely tuned acidity will ensure that it stays on track to be a balanced and generous wine. Dark fruit dominates the palate at this stage, while the structure is discernable and ready to support the wine.