Clarendon Hills is the reference point for high quality Australian Grenache. The brilliant evolved 2003 Grenache Old Vines Clarendon Vineyard (head-pruned vines planted in 1920) reveals notes of sweet cherry jam intermixed with licorice and sandy/loamy soil undertones. Full-bodied opulent and lush it should be consumed over the next 7-10 years. Roman Bratasiuk is one of Planet Earth's greatest winemakers and obviously a top-notch viticulturist given his obsession with sourcing extraordinary fruit from ancient McLaren Vale vineyards.

What a ride. On the palate it comes and goes in waves with cassis surging one moment and violets and black pepper the next. Tannins are manageable but textured and the finish brings a nutty earthy flavor and another burst of berry fruit. Delicious now and should age well through the decade.

Fine generous brimming with cherry blackberry and toasty spice flavors that keep swirling on the firm seamless frame lingering effortlessly as they fill the mouth without excess weight. Drink now through 2010. 900 cases made. -HS