Log in / Sign up Clarendon Hills Domaine Clarendon BDX 2017
Inspired by the classic South Australian wines of the 1950s and 1960s, particularly Penfolds, the visionary Roman Bratasiuk, a former biochemist, bought the old Elysium winery at Blewitt Springs, near Clarendon in McLaren Vale. By chance, he found the nearby 10-acre Astralis Vineyard as a source of "as good as you can get" Shiraz. The vines were first planted in 1920 with 19th-century colonial vine stock derived from Chateau Reynella. Best known for the flagship wine Astralis Syrah, Clarendon Hills also produces a portfolio of single vineyard age-worthy Grenache & Syrah wines derived from 35 to 75-year-old dry-grown vines, from the Clarendon, Blewitt Springs, and Kangarilla sub-regions of McLaren Vale. Among the single vineyards of Cabernet and Merlot is the Domaine Clarendon BDX vineyard which is located within the Blewitt Springs sub-region of McLaren Vale, South Australia. All of the wines at Clarendon Hills are made by hand and are crafted using only natural processes and ingredients.
A harmonious combination of cassis, chocolate, and spring flowers across forest floor notes, polished wooden furniture, and pencil shaving with understated black olive in what is a generous offering demonstrates the Merlot bias in the composition. As the glass evolves the altitude of perfume slowly rises and a bouquet of cedar, roast almond, leather boot, and blackcurrant liqueur finely interlace and create something quite unique and sophisticated.
There is careful attention to detail across this finely polished and creamy smooth palate that evidently reflects the 60% Merlot inclusion. Layers of pure black fruit, earthy olive tapenade, and subtle degrees of cigar tobacco, roast almond, and baking spice nuance throughout this classical-styled composition.
