Smoky, vanilla-saturated and seasoned with scents of cinnamon, clove and nutmeg, the 2016 Brookman Merlot backs up those oaky notes with rich, luxurious layers of black cherries and mocha. Full-bodied, velvety and long on the finish, it's as sexy a Merlot as you're likely to find in Australia.

The ripest, richest and most approachable of the Merlots is the 2015 Brookman Merlot. Hints of mocha, chocolate and cedar join the cherry fruit on the nose and palate of this full-bodied, velvety-textured wine. It should be drinkable soon, yet it's capable of aging for another decade.

Minty, plummy and tight, the 2014 Brookman Merlot is full-bodied but not particularly giving at the moment. It's firm and structured, needing another couple of years to loosen up.

Not my favorite of the various Clarendon Hills offerings, the 2013 Brookman Merlot offers herb and tomato aromas to pair with its cherry fruit. Medium to full-bodied and a bit tough-textured, it needs a couple of years of cellaring before drinking it.

A swarm of prickly tannins wraps around a generous core of cooked plum and cherry flavors, picking up black tea notes as the finish lingers expressively. Drink now through 2020. 300 cases imported.??–HS??Region: Australia / Clarendon Select to Add