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.

The old bush vine vineyard is considered a prized Premier Cru vineyard by the winemaking team at Clarendon Hills. Sourced from this single vineyard planted in the 1940’s and located in the famously deep sands of McLaren Vale, The Clarendon Hills Blewitt Springs Grenache is a showstopper. The wine expresses red and black cherry, blood orange, musk, violets, crushed rock and baking spice, with a talcum-like textured mouthfeel and long finish.