2023 Clarendon Hills Domaine Clarendon Old Vines Grenache 750ml

Overview

Clarendon Hills Domaine Clarendon Old Vines Grenache is a generous yet vibrant expression of Blewitt Springs, McLaren Vale. Made from old-vine Grenache, the 2023 vintage combines perfumed florals, juicy red and dark fruit, fine tannins and bright natural acidity with the savoury, mineral character associated with this elevated subregion.

Vintage

The 2023 season was the third consecutive La Niña vintage and the latest-picked of the three. A wet winter and humid spring encouraged healthy canopies and fruit set, followed by a notably mild summer without a 40°C day. Cool nights and fine autumn weather extended ripening by approximately three to four weeks beyond the already late 2022 vintage, preserving acidity and intense floral character.

Vineyard & Viticulture

The fruit comes from low-yielding, dry-grown old Grenache vines in Blewitt Springs, McLaren Vale. The elevated hillsides of Blewitt Springs feature deep sands over highly weathered ironstone and quartz-rich geology, while proximity to the Great Southern Ocean and St Vincent Gulf contributes to the freshness of the wines.

Winemaking

The grapes were hand-picked, 100% destemmed and fermented with wild yeast, with 40% retained as whole berries. After gentle pressing, the wine was returned to barrel and matured for 18 months in seasoned, tightly grained French oak between four and ten years old. It was bottled at the winery without fining or filtration.

Producer Tasting Notes

Lavender and rose with cherry, cranberry, blood orange and raspberry. The palate shows bright acidity and a basket of forest berry flavours, with fine, talcum-like tannins, natural acidity and fresh strawberry character.

Critic Reviews

93/100 — Marcus Ellis, Halliday Wine Companion
“Expect a deeply red-fruited, slightly meaty style, moody with sultry florals, black cherry, dried herbs and warmed whole brown spices.”

93/100 — Ryan Montgomery, JamesSuckling.com
“Perfumed aromas of blackberries, mulberry bush, dark chocolate and violets… fine-grained tannins and bright acidity, showing pomegranate, raspberry puree and fresh herbs.”
Reviewed June 2025

Wine Advocate — Erin Larkin
“Succulent, vividly red and purple… This is a powerful, inky rendition of this wine—and one not to be taken lightly.”

Specifications

• Vintage: 2023
• Producer: Clarendon Hills
• Country: Australia
• Region: Blewitt Springs, McLaren Vale, South Australia
• Grape Variety: 100% Grenache
• Vine Attribute: Old vines
• Viticulture: Low yielding, dry grown
• Harvest: Hand picked
• Fermentation: 100% destemmed, 40% whole berry, wild yeast fermentation
• Maturation: 18 months in 4–10 year old seasoned French oak
• Fining: None
• Filtration: Unfiltered
• Alcohol: 14.0%
• Production: 18,000 bottles
• Winemaker: Roman Bratasiuk
• Drinking Window: 2025–2038