Clarendon Hills Romas Vineyard Old Vines Grenache 2003
Clarendon Hills
This vineyard was planted in 1925 in the conventional bush vine manner with no trellising. The vineyard is very steep and faces due east, the soils contain high levels of ironstone, rock and quartz. This is the highest part of the Blewitt Springs Vineyard and also the lowest yielding, about one tonne to the acre. The grapes are handpicked, usually quite early in the season, due to very low crops and the ability of Old Grenache to ripen.
Wine Advocate
Always the most structured and potentially complex here, the exotic 2003 Grenache Old Vines Romas Vineyard exhibits a dark purple color as well as a big, peppery, herbs de Provence, melted licorice, black raspberry and cherry-scented nose. Full-bodied and powerful, with layers of fruit, enormous concentration, and a masculine, structured personality, it needs another year of bottle age, and should last for a decade.
Score: 95.
—Robert Parker,
October
2005.
Wine Spectator
Wild and more than a little gamy, an irreverent wine that flaunts its animal, almost feral qualities, finally tying them up with smooth, bright cherry and berry fruit that emerges on the generous finish. Best from 2006 through 2012. 1,000 cases made.
Score: 94.
—Harvey Steiman,
April
30,
2005.
Wine Enthusiast
Aromas are fruit-sweet one minute, and dark and earthy the next. Offers thick, pulpy tannins on the tongue, with fruit that glows red, then purple. Medium-long on the finish; this is an excellent, very compelling Grenache. Will show its best in 2–3 years.
Score: 91.
—Daryna Tobey,
August
01,
2005.
All sizes are 750mL unless otherwise noted.
Vintages and ratings subject to change at any time.
All pricing and availability subject to change.
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