Clarendon Hills tops James Suckling’s 2025 McLaren Vale Regional Report of 162 local entries.
International Wine Critic James Suckling just released his 2025 McLaren Vale Region Report of 162 local wines and Im extremely pleased to announce Clarendon Hills received the two highest scored Syrah and Grenache of all McLaren Vale wines. The title of the report is ‘Seeking Precision in McLaren Vale’. Both the Romas and Astralis scored McLaren Vale’s top scores of 97/100 points a piece and were the most highly scored Grenache and Syrah in McLaren Vale respectively. And our Sandown Cabernet received 96/100 and was also the highest scored Cabernet in McLaren Vale.
The 2023 Romas Old Vine Grenache and 2023 Astralis both received the following editorial within the report:
“Among the standout wines is the Clarendon Hills Grenache McLaren Vale Blewitt Springs Romas 2023, a wine that captures the lift and finesse of grenache grown in a cooler year. It is perfumed, sophisticated and lively with vibrant energy and length, showing a mix of blue and black fruit, pomegranate, violet and plum, underpinned by graphite, spice and fine tannins. The Romas scored extremely well with a McLaren Vale topping 97/100 score.
The Clarendon Hills Syrah McLaren Vale Astralis 2023 also impressed. Long considered one of the region’s benchmark reds, this latest release leans into balance and precision over sheer power.
Aromas of blood plum, blackberry compote, licorice and fresh herbs lead into a full-bodied palate with firm, structured tannins and a tactile, mouthwatering feel. A savory edge of black olive and graphite adds complexity, while the finish remains polished and composed. A wine for the cellar and time.”
In addition, our 2023 Onkaparinga Syrah received an extremely high score of 96/100. The 2023 Onkaparinga Syrah is looking sublime at the moment , so poised and ready to enjoy immediately or equally cellared to attain further earthy layers. The style of the new wines is such that you can enjoy the wines more readily than ever before on release. The lighter frames and moderate alcohol level reflect the years of work in the vineyard to achieve density and concentration at lower ripeness levels. The wines are by design more approachable in their early years, particularly while their fruit spectrum is really pronounced. These wines are so flattering in their youth with all of their complexity and fruit layers already on display.
The comments within the report on the 2023 Onkparinga Syrah are extraordinary: “Dark-fruit aromas of blackberries and plums supported with notes of black olives, smoked meat, dried herbs and iodine. The full-bodied palate has polished tannins and a creamy, textural mouthfeel that leads into a succulent, drying finish. So much purity and finesse with a savory edge. Drink or hold.”
Meanwhile our latest release 2023 Sandown Cabernet also dazzled within the McLaren Vale regional report.
The 2023 Sandown Cabernet Sauvignon is looking amazingly postured for a long life early enjoyment and also cellaring potential. James Suckling’s report features our Sandown Cabernet Sauvignon as the highest scored Cabernet Sauvignon in McLaren Vale at 96/100.
Comments within the report include the following: “Layers of blackcurrants, crushed blueberries and violets as well as cedar, mahogany and iodine. The palate is full-bodied with finely tuned tannins and bright acidity, showing dark chocolate, plums and blackberry compote. Such a polished, restrained cabernet with plenty of years ahead in bottle. Drink or hold.”
These are some of the best scores in all of McLaren Vale and reflect a difficult vintage but in spite of the vintage challenges we produced some of the most highly awarded wines of vintage 2023.
