Clarendon Hills 'Domaine Clarendon' Grenache 2021

Clarendon Hills, founded by Roman Bratasiuk in 1990, is renowned for its single-vineyard wines, crafted with a focus on terroir and minimal intervention. Located in South Australia's McLaren Vale, the estate sources fruit from dry-grown, old bush vines, with some of their Grenache vines planted as far back as the 1920s. The ‘Domaine Clarendon’ Grenache is a standout in the portfolio, celebrated for its purity, elegance, and complexity. Roman Bratasiuk’s winemaking philosophy revolves around showcasing the character of each vineyard, using natural methods and gentle handling to allow the fruit to express itself fully.

The 2021 vintage saw near-perfect growing conditions, with a warm yet mild season that allowed for balanced ripening and excellent concentration in the fruit. These conditions, combined with the old vine Grenache, resulted in a wine that captures the essence of McLaren Vale’s terroir—ripe fruit, fresh acidity, and fine tannins.

Appearance: Bright ruby red with garnet hues, medium intensity, indicating both the wine’s vibrancy and elegance.

Aroma: A perfumed nose of ripe red fruits—strawberry, raspberry, and cherry—interwoven with floral notes of rose petal and dried herbs. Subtle hints of white pepper, liquorice, and a touch of sweet spice emerge, adding complexity and depth to the bouquet.

Taste: Medium-bodied and fresh, with juicy flavours of red cherry, wild strawberry, and redcurrant. The wine displays beautiful balance, with bright acidity lifting the fruit and creating a refreshing, lively profile. Underneath the ripe fruit, there are earthy, savoury undertones of dried herbs and spice, reflecting the old vines and McLaren Vale's schist and sandy soils. The tannins are fine and supple, allowing the wine to be approachable in its youth but with the structure to age.

Finish: Long and silky, with lingering notes of red fruit, a touch of spice, and a delicate minerality. The wine’s acidity and fine tannins leave a fresh, clean finish, with subtle savoury elements and a gentle persistence.

Food Pairing: This elegant Grenache pairs beautifully with herb-crusted lamb cutlets, where the wine’s bright red fruit and spice harmonise with the earthy, herbaceous flavours of the dish. It would also be a great match for roast pork with fennel and apple, as the wine’s acidity complements the richness of the meat while enhancing the sweetness of the apple and the spice of the fennel.