2002 Clarendon Hills Brookman Vineyard Merlot (1500ml)

The Hickinbotham Vineyard Merlot was not produced in 2002, leaving the Brookman as the sole Merlot wine in the Clarendon Hills collection. Bratasiuk has always considered that this vineyard produced the district’s best Merlot. The vines are 26 years old and are grown on clay soils. 100% old oak was used for this wine, whereas 75% was used in 2001.

Tasting Note: Very deep crimson colour with mauve hue. The nose displays a hint of tea leaf which is due to the cooler vintage conditions. Notes of truffle and marzipan follow. The palate does not disappoint – mouthfilling flavours of mulberry, anise, spice and truffle. Outstanding length and persistence. Velvet smooth tannins, followed by a long aftertaste of blueberry, mulberry and spice.
Cellar 8-10 years (2011-2013)
Alc/Vol: 14.8%

RATING: 98/100

VALUE: XXXXX/5

Robert Parker's Review
Performing even better from bottle than it did from barrel, the 2002 Merlot Brookman Vineyard offers complex aromas of sweet espresso roast, black cherries, and white chocolate. This is a thick, juicy Merlot with plenty of structure and tannin as well as considerable intensity and impressive volume. It may be the finest Merlot ever produced in Australia. It will drink well for 10-15 years.
(Notes sourced from Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate #155)
ROBERT PARKER'S RATING: 91 points