Additional information
| Weight | 1.467 kg |
|---|
2022 Clarendon Hills Romas Grenache
$150.00 / bottle
Clarendon Hills Romas Grenache is a single vineyard wine made from a patch of fruit on the steepest and rockiest section of the Blewitt Springs Grenache vineyard. Gnarly old vines planted in the 1920’s produce microscopic yields along with amazing acidity and present an acidity profile similar to that of a white wine. The density of the rocks and soil up in this part of the vineyard defines Romas and warrants its isolation from other parts of the vineyard and position as flagship Grenache expression at Clarendon Hills. The heavy presence of ironstone, quartz and shale rocks limit the size and yields of these vines and the resulting wine reflects the mineral elements. The expression we receive from this highly concentrated part of the vineyard is utterly hedonistic and offers mineral complexity for the wine collectors and enthusiasts out there. Typically each vintage yields a vivid kaleidoscope of fresh cut roses, Turkish delight, musk, sherbert, blood orange, blueberry, raspberry and kirsch fruit across an effortless powerful palate aloft with silk and ultra fine talcum like extract. Nuances of crushed rock, flint, graphite, iodine and ferrous like rust take this expression to the next level. Despite the majesty of the tasting note the profile is medium weighted and mirrors an iron fist in the velvet glove analogy. Amazing both right now to drink and also for the next 20 years in the cellar.
Specifications
RegionRegion
Blewitt Springs, McLaren Vale. A sprawling hillside region 10 kms North East of McLaren Vale town centre famous for its added comparative elevation and abundant hillside aspects whose rich ironstone and deep sand deposits forge individual and highly fragrant wines. The Romas Grenache is a single vineyard expression from a bush vine patch on the rockiest and ironstone richest section of our Bleiwtt Springs Grenache Vineyard. This parcel of the vineyard is technically unknown exactly how old the vines are. The old gnarly bush vines are estimated to be between 90 and 100 years of age. Subsequently this distinct patch is especially low yielding, highly concentrated and unique in it's expression. This site has a due East aspect and receives the cool morning sun. It is located at 270 metres above sea level and represents Blewitt Springs’ higher altitude stony geology with less sands and more quartz, ironstone and shale content.
Conditions
The 2022 vintage was the second La Niña growing cycle in a row after the markedly cool and late 2021 season. Healthy Spring time rains continued well in to the Summer and bought about two things: added yield and it also a delayed veraison. The grapes in Clarendon had barely started colouring up when the Blewitt Springs sites had largely completed the colouring cycle. Alas, a week of late February heat bought everything back into balance and all sites were harvest in early to mid March under perfect 25-27˚ C days with 12 ˚C cool nights. The season always demonstrated voluptuous berry perfumes and offered a kaleidoscope of floral complexity.
Winemaking
Low yielding, dry grown vines from the Blewitt Springs region in McLaren Vale were hand-picked and followed by a 30% whole berry, 100% destemmeed, wild yeast fermentation. All pressings returned to barrel and eventually bottled onsite without fining or filtration after 18 months in well seasoned, high end French Oak.
Maturation
18 months, within a hierarchy of 2-8 year old tightly grained French Oak. Bottled at the winery with no fining or filtration.
Grape Variety
100% Grenache, single vine, old vines
Closure
DIAM
Production
6000 bottles
Winemaker
Roman Bratasiuk
"These Clarendon Hills Grenache wines sit outside the mainstream of modern McLaren Vale Grenache, and in a way, feel more like deep throaty Southern Rhone styles, though their sense of place is still assured. I’m hoping that statement makes me seem informed, and intelligent, though I guess by now you’re not that easily fooled. From a patch of vineyard in Blewitt Springs, 90-100 year old bush vines. Raised in two to eight year old French oak.
This is a deep and powerful expression of old vine Grenache. Black fruit, dried cherry, roast beef with thyme and rosemary, dried roses, nori, mint and toasted hazelnut. Liquorice comes up with time in glass. It’s rich and full of flavour, the inky and ferrous tannin, so much flavour and power, crushed rocks and distinct umami character, with a bold and rolling finish of superb length and cinch of orange zest and apricots. Here’s a Grenache that does not hold back, and it’s so good for that unfettered old vine power it offers."
96/100
- The Wine Front, Gary Walsh
"While I have taken some issue with the oak use in this region in the past, the density to this particular wine is so impressive that the sheer extract can stand up to it. This is volcanic and gritty, with an amazing drive of mineral pungency welded to seamless tannins. Kirsch, anise, dried rose petals, blue fruit and Damson plums. Plenty of power, but mouthwatering. This is a magical wine. Drinkable now, but best from 2029."
2022 Romas Grenache
97/100
February 2024
- James Suckling.com, Ned Goodwin MW, February 2024
