2022 Mystery Hilltops Merlot Deal No. 6436

The current owners bought this Hilltops vineyard in 2004. It was already over 30 years old and badly run down. They nursed it back. Planted in 1973, it’s one of the oldest vineyards in the region. At first the new owners sold their grapes to other winemakers. These days every grape from the estate goes into their own wines. This bottling comes from their value range, which James Halliday has singled out for exceptional value for money. Russell Gallagher’s 94-point review describes ripe plum, black cherry and blackberry. Dried herbs and cocoa sit over soft tannins. Sam Kim liked its silky-smooth palate and supple tannins. Campbell Mattinson found peppercorn, woodsmoke and briar running through the red and dark berries. He reckoned it’s the mix of fruit, toast and leafy notes that makes it work. Expect plum, black cherry and blackberry, with cinnamon, liquorice and a little cocoa. It’s medium-bodied, smooth and rounded, with soft, easy tannins. Keep it in the rack for a midweek night when you want something soft and generous.