Brookfields Highland Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2021 $46 
Owner and winemaker Peter Robertson has been making wine in Hawke’s Bay since the mid-1970s and when you’re in Hawke’s Bay for that long, you get to know Merlot incredibly well. In fact, Hawke’s Bay’s wine powers that be were considering dubbing the region “Hawke’s Bay, Merlot Country” such was the grape’s importance. Peter sources merlot for his flagship Highland style from Mere Road, in the heart of the Gimblett Gravels and crafts a glossy, garnet-hued style scented with smoked plum, boysenberry, dark chocolate and soft peppery tones. Its tannins are soothing and plump, creating a mouthfeel that’s warm and suede-like, and that’s pretty much all I’m looking for in good merlot amirite?
