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  • 94

2001 Clarendon Hills Clarendon Vineyard Grenache

Clarendon, South Australia, AUSTRALIA
$62. 99
Bottle
$755.88 Dozen
Cellar: 5 - 8 Years (2007-2010)
ABV: 14.5%
Closure: Cork

Roman Bratasiuk maintains that two varieties demonstrate the greatness of a vintage from the Clarendon district, and they are the Grenache and Merlot. In 2001 both these varieties are exceptional. The philosophy behind the Grenache wines is to maintain their individual integrity without blending with other grape varieties such as Shiraz.

The vines were planted in 1920 in a natural amphitheatre of heavy clay soil. The aspect is southerly, which is entirely the wrong slope by Australian convention, and is situated at an altitude of 250 metres above sea level. Roman regards this as his most ‘beautiful’ Grenache. The vines are tended by 80 year old Bernie who still chooses to do all the work by hand, including weeding. The yields are a miniscule 2 tonnes per acre. Roman wants the fruit to express itself in these wines. Consequently 60% of the wine is matured in 1 year old casks with the rest in 2 year old French casks.

Tasting Note: The colour is outstanding, and only gets better as the tasting progresses. Very deep crimson, mauve purple colour. Recently transferred from cask to blending tank, the nose is a little subdued, but sings with perfumed notes of earth, liquorice, raspberry and spice, with a hint of lavender and dried herbs as an end note. The palate is mouthfilling with strong flavours of liquorice and raspberry over a spicy dried herb background. Fine grained dry tannins, perfect balance followed by a very long aftertaste of liquorice, raspberry and spice.
Cellar 5-8 years (2007-2010).
Alc/Vol 14.5%

RATING: 94/100

VALUE: XXXXX/5