Richard Hamilton ‘Lot 148’ Merlot

Yields in 2020 were affected by weather conditions at flowering and were lower than average. Rainfall from May to August 2019 was slightly above average. Unusual for McLaren Vale, there were spring frost events. Cool November weather affected vines that were just flowering and cool and windy conditions into mid-December affected fruitfulness. Very hot conditions in the last half of December pushed the temperature above average. Some good rain events helped relieve a dry December. Both January and February were cooler than average providing a longer ripening period without any extremes. Relatively mild conditions continued into March once vintage had begun and with no rain, provided ideal harvest conditions. From modest yield, fruit quality is very good and displays good intensity with elegance.