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.

This Merlot displays forest fruit and plum characters, dark chocolate flavours in the mouth, with a supple medium weight tannin finish. Being fruit off the older Robert Stein vineyard block that was planted back in 1989 has helped add complexity to this early drinking style.

Kings Fortune is a wine range fit for kings, from Australias majestic wine regions. This bottled liquid gold you are about to enjoy represents the blue blood of Australia's iconic terroirs. Enjoy flavours of full and soft red berry fruits with spicy vanilla oak and fine tannins

Merlesco combines fruit from our two McLaren Vale vineyards. Our McMurtrie Road vineyard on the valley floor enjoys sunny days and cooling evening breezes from the nearby ocean. Our Angel Gully Vineyard in the McLaren Vale sub-region of Clarendon is the highest vineyard in McLaren Vale and has a long, slow growing season with cool nights and warm days on shale stone soil.

Lush, mouth filling sweet blackberry and plums elegantly cover the palate with nuances of sweet spice. Silky, fine tannins and dark chocolaty notes tickle throughout the lengthy palate with youthful and pretty finish.

The Hardy's R&R label provides uncomplicated wines that display true varietal character making them perfect for everyday enjoyment. Enjoy the lively plum and cherry flavours of this Merlot with duck or lamb or share a glass with some cheese.

Bright and medium depth in colour with a crimson red hue. There are aromas of plums, roses, blueberries and spice with a touch of cedar. The palate has impressive supple texture, it opens with jujube fruit transitioning to a silky linear tannin and plum middle palate.The wine finishes refreshingly bright and lingers long after the last sip. This is a wine to cellar for ten years and will be drinking at its best in five years. Enjoy with roast chicken or contemplate over a vintaged cheddar.

Dark berries and aromatic spices on the nose and black current and blueberry, slight leather flavor and balsmic notes, moderate tannins, pleasureable finish.

The 2008 release of this took out the prestigious tri-nations award. The 2009 from a stronger vintage looks even better. A classicist?s Merlot; plum and cassis supported by fine tannin.