At a glance

Producer

Clarendon Hills

Region

McLaren Vale, South Australia

Grape variety

Grenache

Wine type

Red

Body

Medium-bodied and Fruity

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$110-$140 USD (release price)

Tasting profile

Bursting with red cherry, raspberry, blood orange, wild herbs, and exotic spice; underlying stoniness and subtle earthiness.

Evolution: Further integration of fruit and spice, deepening with savory complexity, dried flowers, and softer tannins over time.

At peak: A seamless, silken, intensely aromatic Grenache with concentrated red fruit, garrigue, and mineral undertones; tertiary notes of tobacco leaf, leather, and game.

Structure

Acidity

Medium-high, crisp, energetic

Tannins

Medium, silken but present, gently grippy

Alcohol

Approx. 14.5% ABV (typical for region and style)

Aging potential

Long (15-20+ years in ideal cellar conditions)

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2028 to 2038

Optimal window

2026 to 2042

Current status

Youthful, highly structured, primary fruit-driven but approachable for enthusiasts

Current condition

Vibrant fruit, high clarity, robust youthful structure, poised for graceful evolution

This wine is built for longevity, with fruit purity and structural clarity that will reward patient cellaring. True peak begins once primary fruit integrates with savory complexities—typically 6-10 years post-vintage.

Food pairing

Lamb with rosemary, Moroccan tagine, slow-cooked pork, Provençal vegetables, or aged hard cheeses.

Serving

Decant

Yes (30 minutes) — Decanting will help to aerate the wine, enhancing its aromas and softening the tannins, which can improve the overall drinking experience.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 6/10

Dry-farmed old bush vines, hand harvesting, minimal irrigation, selective sorting; no formal sustainability program published; standard glass bottle and cork closure.

While Clarendon Hills demonstrates respect for historic vineyards and uses some sustainable viticultural techniques (dry farming, hand harvesting), it lacks formal sustainability certifications or a transparent program for reducing environmental impact. Transport to overseas markets further increases the carbon footprint. Packaging is conventional. Room for improvement, but heritage vineyard practices and low input farming merit moderate sustainability recognition.