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Overview
A refined, single-vineyard Syrah from the elevated Clarendon subregion of McLaren Vale, Domaine Clarendon showcases the distinctive character of ancient rocky soils and a cooler, high-altitude vineyard site. Established using cuttings from the celebrated Astralis vineyard, this estate-grown Syrah combines concentrated dark fruit, savoury complexity, floral aromatics and firm, structured tannins. The 2018 vintage received 94+ points from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate and 94 points from The Wine Front.
Vineyard
The Domaine Clarendon vineyard was conceived by Roman Bratasiuk in 2003 and completed in 2005. Situated approximately 350 metres above sea level in Clarendon, one of the coolest parts of McLaren Vale, the vineyard occupies ancient, rocky terrain rich in ironstone.
Propagated from Astralis vineyard cuttings, the Syrah vines are trained individually on single stakes using a non-cordon system, creating a distinctive bush-vine structure. The vineyard's elevation, challenging soils and low-yielding vines contribute to the wine's concentration, natural freshness and characteristic savoury complexity. The first vintage was released in 2009.
Winemaking
The estate-grown Syrah is hand-pruned and hand-harvested, with fermentation carried out using indigenous yeasts in stainless steel tanks. The wine is matured for approximately 18 months in a combination of new and seasoned French oak barriques from Burgundy and Bordeaux, allowing the fruit, tannins and distinctive vineyard character to integrate.
Critic Reviews
94+ Points — Erin Larkin, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate
"There is clarity here, without weight through the finish."
94 Points — Gary Walsh, The Wine Front
"Black fruit, spice, liquorice, lavender, mint and dried roses."
Tasted November 2021
92 Points — Ned Goodwin, James Halliday's Australian Wine Companion
"Blue fruits, smoked meats, dried seaweed and a molten core of kirsch smeared with black olive paste."
Producer
Founded in 1990 by Roman Bratasiuk, Clarendon Hills is one of McLaren Vale's pioneering producers of single-vineyard wines. The estate specialises in individual expressions of Syrah, Grenache and other varieties from the distinctive vineyard sites of Clarendon, Blewitt Springs and Kangarilla. Inspired by the great wines of France, Clarendon Hills combines traditional winemaking techniques with an emphasis on vineyard character, concentration and ageing potential. Its acclaimed Astralis Syrah remains the estate's flagship wine, while Domaine Clarendon represents Roman Bratasiuk's vision of a purpose-designed, estate-owned vineyard.
Specifications
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Vintage: 2018
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Producer: Clarendon Hills
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Wine: Domaine Clarendon Syrah
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Country: Australia
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Region: South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale, Clarendon
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Grape Variety: Syrah
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Vineyard: Domaine Clarendon, single vineyard
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Vineyard Elevation: Approximately 350 metres
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Vineyard Establishment: Completed 2005
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Vine Material: Propagated from Astralis vineyard cuttings
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Vine Training: Single-stake, non-cordon
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Wine Style: Still Red Wine
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Sweetness: Dry
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Body: Medium to Full
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Alcohol: 14.6%
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Harvest: Hand Harvested
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Fermentation: Indigenous yeasts in stainless steel tanks
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Oak: New and seasoned French oak barriques
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Maturation: Approximately 18 months
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Drinking Window: 2022–2032 (The Wine Advocate)
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Bottle Size: 750ml
