1995 Clarendon Hills Shiraz

For many wine lovers Clarendon Hills will be relatively unknown. The vineyard was established in 1989 by Roman Bratasiuk and a partner, who has since disappeared. Last year, American wine writer Robert Parker discovered these wines and gave them rave reviews. Since then the demand has increased, and you guessed it, so have the prices. Parker wrote "this is another block buster shiraz that can easily compete with such Australian superstars as Henschke Hill of Grace and Grange Hermitage". We always approach such rave notices with a fair degree of scepticism - and to be frank, we don't trust other people's assessments of wine. It's our money after all, and we'rethe ones giving our customers the 100% unconditional money back guarantee, no ifs or buts, so we have to be very sure.The 1995 is not as voluptuous as the 1994 but that's no big deal. Made from 80 year old dry yielding vines the 1995 is a very, very big wine. Opaque deep red brick colour. The nose is superb, reflecting a very ripe and concentrated wine. Ripe blackberries, vanilla, pepper and spice abound. The palate displays great concentration - loads of ripe plum and blackberry aromas with some smoky oak background notes with distinct peppery shiraz backpalate. Firm but fine grained and balanced tannins - no sign of any jamminess and incredible persistence of flavour and very long aftertaste. Cellar 8 - 10 years. Stocks are limited.

Retasted: June 2001
This bottle was showing more bottle development than expected from this wine. Deep sienna brown colour, with brick red edges, showing premature bottle development. The nose displays considerable bottle developed notes with aromas of earth, leather and truffle. On the palate flavours of prune, leather, ripe plums and stewed fruit followed by a dry ‘dusty’ back palate. Aftertaste of ripe plums and stewed fruit. Drink now.

RATING: 76/100

VALUE: XXX/5