Domaine Clarendon Syrah

Clarendon Hills Domaine Clarendon Syrah is sourced from a vineyard at the crown of Clarendon's hills, planted in 2005. It is the highest altitude vineyard in McLaren Vale.

There is no top soil, only rocks. Single stake vines were literally drilled straight into shattered schist boulders the size of houses. The dry grown vines struggle to survive, producing tiny yields of intensely flavoured grapes.

The handpicked fruit ferments as whole berries with wild yeast to increase retention of the grape's varietal character and minimize bitter tannins. All pressings are returned to the barrel.

The wine is matured for 18 months in new and seasoned tight grained French oak. The final barrels are hand selected. It is bottled without fining or filtration.

Purple crimson, Clarendon Hills Domaine Clarendon Syrah has a rounded taste, a muscular framework and sweet, supple tannins. Cellaring potential is 15 years.