Mecklen

The Barossa subregion now known as Gomersal was originally Neu Mecklenburg — a farming community established in the mid-19th century and named after the Mecklenburg region of Germany the settlers had left behind. Today it's home to Mecklen's main Shiraz vineyard, and the range is named to honour that history.

The Hickin family are custodians of two Barossa vineyards, each grown to respect its terroir and draw out the best of its site. The Gomersal vineyard — established 22 years ago — is planted to Shiraz, with Grenache and Mourvèdre to follow. The Cockatoo Valley vineyard is a small, dry-grown Grenache block over 100 years old, sitting at 250 metres with an east-facing aspect that keeps its summer afternoons cool.

Behind Mecklen is a father-and-sons team. Bernard Hickin brings more than 45 vintages and years of wine judging to a finely tuned palate for quality, style and varietal expression. Mark — who has made wine across the Barossa, Strathbogie Ranges, Hunter Valley, Burgundy and British Columbia — drives a fresh, varietal-focused style. John, with a background in geology and mechanical engineering, brings deep insight into the vineyards' soils and the machinery that keeps them running.