2001 Clarendon Hills Hickinbotham Vineyard Merlot

The quality of the Merlot is the second test of the great wines of the 2001 vintage – and both the Hickinbotham and Brookman vineyards Merlot reflect that greatness.Every winemaker who produces Merlot aspires to make a wine that is equal or surpasses Chateau Petrus in Pommerol. Roman is no exception – he has a photograph on the wall of his tasting room to prove that he has made the pilgrimage to this lofty Chateau. Merlot needs to be grown in soils that have a lot of clay, and it is this specific quality of Chateau Petrus terroir that makes it so remarkable. The deep clay soils retain their moisture during summer, through their colloidal particle soil structure. The clay soils and micro - climate of Pommerol produce grapes with thick skins and small berries.The soil structure on the Merlot block is clay and rock, the slope is relatively steep and the 25 year old vines are close planted adding to the competition for water and further ensuring small berries. The vines are cropped at 2.5 tonnes per acre, and the wine is matured in 75% new and 25% old French barriques. Bratasiuk is convinced that the Clarendon district is the only place to grow great Merlot in Australia.

Tasting Note: Very deep crimson mauve colour. Superb refined nose with notes of mulberry, truffle, spice and cigar box, followed by confectionary and a violet end note. The wine has excellent mouth feel with soft layered texture. A refined style, with flavours of blackcurrant and cedar, followed by a hint of liquorice on the back palate. Velvet smooth tannins, followed by a very long blackcurrant liquorice aftertaste.
Cellar 5-8 years (2007-2010)
Alc/Vol: 14%

RATING: 95/100

VALUE: XXXXX/5