At a glance

Producer

Clarendon Hills

Region

McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia

Grape variety

Grenache

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Smooth

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$100-$150

Tasting profile

Aromas of red cherries, raspberries, spice, and subtle earthy notes. Palate shows plush red fruits, fine-grained tannins, and a peppery finish.

Evolution: Over the next 5-8 years, expect the wine to develop increased complexity with tertiary notes of leather, dried herbs, and savory nuances while maintaining fruit freshness.

At peak: Peak drinking will reveal a harmonious balance of fruit, spice, and earthy qualities with a silky mouthfeel and persistent finish.

Structure

Acidity

Medium

Tannins

Medium to Firm

Alcohol

14.5%

Aging potential

15-20 years

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2025 to 2042

Optimal window

2022 to 2045

Current status

Drinking well, approaching early maturity

Current condition

The wine currently offers vibrant fruit with supple tannins. It is drinking well now but will improve in complexity and balance for several more years.

Clarendon Hills is a renowned producer specializing in single-vineyard McLaren Vale Grenache. The 2017 vintage is excellent for Grenache, giving ripe fruit and structured tannins supporting long aging. Given the wine's pedigree, grape variety, and vintage quality, it will age gracefully over 15+ years, which aligns with McLaren Vale's warm climate Grenache wines recognizing their characteristic longevity.

Food pairing

Pairs excellently with grilled lamb, roasted game birds, mushroom-based dishes, and aged hard cheeses.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (30-60 minutes) — To allow the wine to open up and soften tannins for more expressive aromatics.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 8/10

Clarendon Hills uses dry farming practices, minimal irrigation, no synthetic herbicides or pesticides, and implements biodiversity in the vineyard to promote ecosystem health.

Clarendon Hills employs sustainable viticulture adapted to the McLaren Vale environment, reducing water use and chemical impact. Their focus on terroir expression aligns with low-impact winemaking. While lacking formal organic certification, their practices are regarded as environmentally responsible within the premium wine sector.