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Clarendon Hills

2022 Romas Grenache

Experimental phase: initial rating derived from official awards and critic reviews

4.7
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James Suckling - 97 points

2024

Clarendon Hills Romas Grenache is a single vineyard wine made from a patch of fruit on the steepest and rockiest section of the Blewitt Springs Grenache vineyard. Gnarly old vines planted in the 1920’s produce microscopic yields along with amazing acidity and present an acidity profile similar to that of a white wine.


The density of the rocks and soil up in this part of the vineyard defines Romas and warrants its isolation from other parts of the vineyard and position as flagship Grenache expression at Clarendon Hills. The heavy presence of ironstone, quartz and shale rocks limit the size and yields of these vines and the resulting wine reflects the mineral elements.


The expression we receive from this highly concentrated part of the vineyard is utterly hedonistic and offers mineral complexity for the wine collectors and enthusiasts out there. Typically each vintage yields a vivid kaleidoscope of fresh cut roses, Turkish delight, musk, sherbert, blood orange, blueberry, raspberry and kirsch fruit across an effortless powerful palate aloft with silk and ultra fine talcum like extract.


Nuances of crushed rock, flint, graphite, iodine and ferrous like rust take this expression to the next level. Despite the majesty of the tasting note the profile is medium weighted and mirrors an iron fist in the velvet glove analogy. Amazing both right now to drink and also for the next 20 years in the cellar.

About Clarendon Hills

Clarendon Hills is an Australian winery founded in 1990 by Roman Bratasiuk. Located in the McLaren Vale region, it specializes in producing wines from unique single vineyards, focusing on Grenache, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon varieties. The winery is renowned for its old-vine wines, including the iconic Astralis Syrah, which has achieved cult status on the international stage.


Additionally, Romas Grenache comes from the oldest and rockiest part of the Blewitt Springs vineyard, with vines planted in the 1920s and 1940s. Clarendon Hills is a pioneer in Grenache production in Australia, introducing the first single-vineyard wine made from 100% Grenache, Blewitt Springs Grenache, in 1991.


The winery emphasizes expressing the unique terroir of each vineyard through minimal intervention in the winemaking process. Their wines are celebrated for their depth, complexity, and aging potential, making them highly esteemed among wine enthusiasts worldwide.