2013 Domaine Clarendon Syrah

Domaine Clarendon is the ambitious project of Clarendon Hills winemaker Roman Bratasiuk and his son Alex. Planted in 2006 using Astralis cuttings the vineyard is dry grown with yields at less than 1 tonne per acre. The vineyards soil structure is solid rock (the vineyard cultivator broke two 'industrial-as' Caterpillar row rippers on rocks the size of houses) and it is located 315 metres above sea level - the highest altitude vineyard in Clarendon and also McLaren Vale.

A rich, densely concentrated Syrah that possesses great underlying structure. The pedigree and bottle age of this wine alone make it a superb buy.

Magnificent colour density displaying an impenetrable inky black core and an equally deep black dark red hue. Heady aromas of ripe blackberry, liquorice and dark plum engulf the nostrils with hints of mocha, vanillin cedar, subtle earthy leather and spice notes then chiming in. Full in body, rich blackberry, liquorice and black cherry fruits take on a plush, opulent textural feel. Whilst still lurking underneath is a sense of firmness, the tannins have become far more polished since our initial tasting approximately 5 years ago. Moving in on the back half are complexing elements of vanillin cedar, earthy leather and spicy pepper. Excellent concentration and power with a lick of freshness shining through on the finish indicating this wine still has plenty of life left in it. The aftertaste long and seductive yet also sturdy.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 14.7%