Since its inception and first batch, Merricks Creek Winery took great pride in some fantastic Pinot Noir. With an interesting start into the world of winemaking, their first harvest in 2001 was meant to be sold to a nearby winery, when an impromptu visit by the head winemaker—mere days before—saw the revocation of half the order of grapes. Stuck between a rock and a ripe grape vine, Parker decided to utilise some of his neighbour’s machinery, and attempt to make his own Merricks Creek Pinot. The result? Let’s just say, James Halliday scored it a fair few points higher than other said winery, at an awesome 96 points!