2001 Brookmann Merlot
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Tasting notes
I had a slight preference for the 2001 Merlot Brookmans Vineyard over the 2002, which was so primary and youthful that it was challenging to evaluate. There is no question that the 2001 is a knock-out effort. One of the finest Merlots I have tasted from Australia, it is layered and opulent, with a voluptuous texture, and huge cola-infused, chocolatey, black cherry, and berry fruit that cascade from the glass. This thick, juicy Merlot possesses plenty of underlying tannin as well as structure. It is a wine of great intensity and purity that manages to hide its 100% new French oak aging. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2016. Imported by USA Wine West LLC, San Rafael, CA; tel. (800)-485-5753, for John Larchet, The Australian Premium Wine Collection
Critic scores
Robert Parker
About the producer
Based in the McLaren Vale, Clarendon Hills has been one of the pioneering names in Australian wine. Focusing on single-site expressions of individual grapes, working with old dry-farmed vineyards, it has become one of the world’s leading producers, best known for its iconic Astralis Shiraz.