1998 Hamilton Lot 148 Merlot

1998 WAS A NEAR PERFECT VINTAGE. “From the time the berries approached their final phase of ripening prior to vintage, I have never seen fruit as good as this, and it must be the best Vintage in McLaren Vale for some 40 years!” claimed Ralph Fowler. In Australia there are a handful of Great Merlots being produced. The 1998 Hamilton Merlot is a major contribution to the Australian wine scene and to the development of that style. Ralph Fowler is making a very serious attempt to produce a great wine, and he has succeeded. However, Hamilton Merlot is without reputation and thus the price tag is ridiculously low, given the quality.

“Thanks to a cancelled export order we have been able to secure more stocks of this exceptional wine.”

Tasting Notes: Magnificent vibrant purple colour with mauve edges. Superb sniffing pleasure, this is not your run of the mill Merlot, but a wine made with a great feel for the varietal. Aromas of earthy truffles, cedar, spice and mulberry. The palate displays the essence of Merlot, that careful juxtaposition of earthy truffle flavour and mulberry fruit, in many ways it’s a similar alliance of flavour components to Pinot Noir, where a razors edge of balance is required between fruit and game. The tannins are very fine, yet firm, much more like those of Cabernet than Merlot, making this a cellaring proposition. Near perfect balance at this stage, outstanding length and persistence of flavour, followed by a very long cedar, truffle, spice and plum aftertaste. Cellar 5-8 years. For a hint of what Petrus tastes like at a fraction of the price, close your eyes, sip and imagine. Stocks are limited!

RATING 92/100

VALUE: XXXXX/5