Domaine Clarendon Hills Old Vine Grenache 2023 750ml

"Beautifully fragrant old vine Grenache with juicy red berries, floral spice and silky tannins."

Domaine Clarendon Hills Old Vine Grenache 2023 is a terrific introduction to one of McLaren Vale's most respected Grenache producers. Sourced from the old vineyards of Blewitt Springs, this wine has all the lovely perfume and juicy fruit that make Grenache such an enjoyable red.

There's plenty of raspberry, cherry and strawberry, along with rose petals, gentle spice and a hint of savoury complexity. The tannins are beautifully fine, and the natural freshness keeps everything lively.

What makes this wine particularly appealing is the quality you're getting for the money. It's a chance to experience the character of Clarendon Hills without stepping up to the prices of their premium single vineyard wines.

The 2023 vintage has also received an impressive 93 points from both the Halliday Wine Companion and James Suckling.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Fresh raspberry, strawberry and black cherry, with rose petals, violets and hints of dried herbs.

Palate: Juicy red and dark berries, pomegranate and subtle spice. Medium bodied, with fine, powdery tannins and bright acidity providing excellent balance.

Finish: Long and vibrant, with lingering red berries, gentle floral notes and a lovely savoury edge.

Halliday Wine Companion - 93 Points

The entry level, if you will, made from declassified fruit/wine from the three proprietary Blewitt Springs sites. The trajectory here is for brighter styles, though the graph curve is gradual. The house style remains, and there is no harm in that, given its history. Expect a deeply red-fruited, slightly meaty style, moody with sultry florals, black cherry, dried herbs and warmed whole brown spices. It’s a fine introduction to the Clarendon Hills oeuvre, and at a more than fair tariff. Marcus Ellis

Serving Suggestions

A great match for roast lamb, grilled pork, barbecue chicken or a good wood fired pizza.

It also works beautifully with Mediterranean dishes, chargrilled vegetables, mushroom risotto and a selection of Italian cured meats.

If you enjoy Pinot Noir but feel like something with a little more fruit and generosity, this Grenache is well worth trying.

About The Winery

Clarendon Hills was established in 1990 by Roman Bratasiuk and has become one of Australia's most recognised producers of premium Grenache and Syrah.

Located in McLaren Vale, South Australia, the winery has built its reputation around exceptional old vineyards and wines that express the individual character of their growing sites.

Blewitt Springs, in the elevated hills of McLaren Vale, is particularly famous for its old Grenache vines, sandy soils and wines with wonderful perfume, fine tannins and natural freshness.

Domaine Clarendon draws fruit from the estate's Blewitt Springs vineyards, offering a more approachable introduction to the distinctive Clarendon Hills style.

The cooler 2023 vintage has produced a particularly fragrant Grenache, combining generous berry flavours with the freshness and elegance that make this region so special.

Cellaring Potential

Domaine Clarendon Old Vine Grenache 2023 is lovely to enjoy now, particularly for its fresh berry fruit and floral aromas.

There's also enough structure and natural acidity to reward further cellaring. Enjoy now through to approximately 2035, with the wine gradually developing more savoury, earthy and spicy complexity.

Details

Producer: Clarendon Hills
Wine: Domaine Clarendon Old Vine Grenache
Vintage: 2023
Variety: 100% Grenache
Region: Blewitt Springs, McLaren Vale, South Australia
Country: Australia
Bottle Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Wine Body: Medium Bodied
Wine Sweetness: Dry
Wine Style: Fragrant, Juicy & Savoury Australian Grenache
Halliday Rating: 93 Points, Marcus Ellis
James Suckling Rating: 93 Points