Mike and his wife, Colleen, purchased land in the Wrattonbully district in 2000 and went about planting the vineyard to cabernet, shiraz, malbec and merlot. Merlot was of particular interest to Mike, as he felt the region and the soils on the site might well prove to be perfect for it. When newer clones became available in Australia, Mike set about planting the ultimate 18ha parcel with each clone, driven by an obsession to create the country's best merlot.

The estate is located in the Joanna section in the Wrattonbully wine region, the northern neighbour of Coonawarra. It similarly benefits from soil profiles, like the famed Terra Rossa, and climate, like the Bonney Upwelling phenomenon cooling nights during summer periods. In addition, Wrattonbully is a step up in elevation across gentle sloping ranges with greater variation of aspect among its vineyards, and slightly warmer daytime average temperatures.

This is classic Merlot with aromas of blackcurrant, plum, black cherries, violets and clove. Vibrant, juicy, and great fruit concentration with elegant tannins and savoriness. Succulent and beautifully balanced. 

Tasting Notes

"The vineyard's planting of five merlot clones (including 8R and Q45) is capable of producing very high quality wine. If you want to go nitpicking, the French oak (40% new) is a touch too obvious, but it will almost certainly diminish with age, It raises the question whether 30% new oak might have done an even better job. That said, the '14 had 50%. The mouthfeel, weight and flavours of cassis, plum and herb have a base of exquisite tannins." 96 Points - Halliday Wine Companion, James Halliday (2022).