From the ancient soils of Wrattonbully (just north of Coonawarra), the Smith & Hooper wines are produced from the family owned Hill-Smith Family Estates stable. No change in RRP from the previous vintage (madness!) Winemaker is Heather Fraser.

Smith & Hooper, Merlot, Wrattonbully, 2022

Deep garnet with a bright rim. Soaking aromas of blackberries in juice, plum flesh, cedar, choc-mint biscuit, woody clove and a red currant edge. Fleshy and bright, perky even. Tannins are blousy and soft with just enough chew under the red/black body. There’s a prickle of heat before a savoury dark tail. Serve with smash burgers (soft white buns) or BBQ Pork ribs (where you get the sauce all over your face).
RRP: $21
Alc: 14%
Rating: 90/100
Wine sample courtesy of Smith & Hooper