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Overview
From the highest vineyard in McLaren Vale, Domaine Clarendon Syrah is a distinctive single-vineyard expression crafted by Clarendon Hills. Established using cuttings from the renowned Astralis vineyard, this elevated, cool-climate site produces Syrah of remarkable character, combining dark berry fruit, floral aromatics, savoury complexity and structured tannins. The 2021 vintage displays a refined balance of concentration, freshness and elegance, earning 94 points from Halliday Wine Companion and 93 points from both James Suckling and The Wine Front.
Vintage
After three consecutive warm and dry growing seasons, 2021 brought welcome relief to McLaren Vale. Early-season rainfall replenished soil moisture and supported healthy yields, while cooler conditions from December onwards allowed gradual, even ripening without significant heat spikes. The resulting wines display generous fruit, freshness and elegance, with beautifully balanced structure.
Vineyard
The Domaine Clarendon vineyard was designed and planted by Roman Bratasiuk in 2003, using cuttings propagated from the celebrated Astralis vineyard. Located in the cool, elevated Clarendon subregion at approximately 350 metres above sea level, the 36-acre site overlooks Blewitt Springs, McLaren Vale and the Onkaparinga Gorge.
Its ancient geological formations, dating back approximately 750 million years, comprise decomposed ironstone, quartz, shale and schist. The vines are individually trained on single stakes using a non-cordon system inspired by traditional Northern Rhône viticulture. The high elevation and distinctive mineral-rich soils contribute natural acidity, aromatic complexity and a pronounced sense of place.
Winemaking
Fruit from low-yielding, dry-grown vines was hand-harvested and fermented using indigenous yeasts, with 60% whole berries retained during fermentation. All pressings were returned to barrel, and the wine matured for 18 months in tightly grained French oak barrels. Bottling was carried out at the winery without fining or filtration, preserving the wine's natural texture and vineyard expression.
Producer Tasting Notes
Consistent tasting notes of graphite, iodine, roast meat, black cardamom, chocolate and black olive with blueberry plum fruits on a layered silken palate.
Critic Reviews
94 Points — Marcus Ellis, Halliday Wine Companion
"Pulpy and open, a wash of boysenberry, lilac and violet, iodine and brambly wild fruits, blackberry pastille."
Published 08 May 2024
93 Points — Ned Goodwin MW, James Suckling
"red and blue fruit accents tumble across licorice tannins."
Tasted February 2024
93 Points — The Wine Front
Tasted March 2024
Producer
Founded in 1990 by Roman Bratasiuk, Clarendon Hills is one of Australia's pioneering producers of premium single-vineyard wines. Based in McLaren Vale, the estate specialises in distinctive expressions of Syrah, Grenache and other varieties from the ancient vineyard sites of Clarendon, Blewitt Springs and Kangarilla.
Inspired by the great wines of France, Clarendon Hills emphasises vineyard individuality, indigenous yeast fermentation and traditional winemaking techniques. Its internationally acclaimed Astralis Syrah represents the pinnacle of the collection, while Domaine Clarendon showcases Bratasiuk's vision of creating a world-class vineyard from carefully selected Astralis vine material.
Specifications
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Vintage: 2021
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Producer: Clarendon Hills
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Wine: Domaine Clarendon Syrah
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Winemaker: Roman Bratasiuk
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Country: Australia
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Region: South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale, Clarendon
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Grape Variety: 100% Syrah
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Vineyard: Domaine Clarendon, Single Vineyard
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Vineyard Elevation: Approximately 350 metres
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Vineyard Established: 2003
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Vine Material: Astralis vineyard cuttings
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Soil: Decomposed ironstone, quartz, shale and schist
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Viticulture: Dry-grown, low-yielding, single-stake vines
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Wine Style: Still Red Wine
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Sweetness: Dry
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Alcohol: 14%
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Harvest: Hand Harvested
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Fermentation: Indigenous yeasts, 60% whole berry
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Oak: French oak barrels
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Maturation: 18 months
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Fining / Filtration: Unfined and Unfiltered
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Production: 18,000 bottles
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Drinking Window: 2023–2030 (Halliday Wine Companion)
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Bottle Size: 750ml
