Richard Hamilton Lot 148 McLaren Vale Merlot 2022

The Merlot here comes from two McLaren Vale blocks, one planted in 1998 and the other back in 1985. Oak maturation contributes to the richness of the wine, which is a deep red/garnet in colour. The nose weaves through notes of dried herbs, plum pudding, red fruits, kirsch, raspberries and cherries. One could argue whether or not this is overtly varietal, but it is full of flavour and good drinking, so that hardly matters. Supple and seamless, with fine acidity and firm tannins, this has decent length. Enjoy it any time now and for the following six years.