Clarendon Hills

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Clarendon Hills 2005 Astralis Syrah (Clarendon)

Cellar Selection

Price $350

Astralis has become one of Australia’s top collectibles, and Roman Bratasiuk’s 2005 version is once again top-shelf stuff. It’s full-bodied and rich without being over the top, balancing dark-chocolate-covered blackberries and blueberries with more complex savory notes (spice, grilled meat). While it’s a big, hulking wine at first, the finish shows great elegance… — J.C. (9/1/2008)

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Clarendon Hills 2003 Hickinbotham Syrah (Clarendon)

Price $115

This Syrah—yes, Syrah, not Shiraz—has a mouthfeel that will make you swear, or call out to your deity of choice. Just velvety-smooth on the palate, with plump plum fruit that tightens up on the finish, which reprises the peppery-herb notes that first showed on the nose. It's certainly nothing you'd kick out of bed now, but will probably taste even better in five or… — D.T. (3/1/2005)

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Clarendon Hills 2004 Liandra Syrah (Clarendon)

Editors' Choice

Price $78

This is sexy stuff that proprietor Roman Bratasiuk says is “more Côte-Rôtie” than his other Syrahs. Its perfumed nose offers up hints of violets and cracked pepper to go along with raspberry fruit, while it’s supple in the mouth—almost too easy—with pretty mixed berry flavors and a nib of bitter chocolate. Long and elegant on the finish. Drink now–2015. — J.C. (12/15/2006)

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Clarendon Hills 2004 Piggott Range Syrah (Clarendon)

Price $150

Boasts a slightly lifted character to the aromas, but also shadings of Asian spice and espresso. This is supple on the palate and dark-fruited, with bold flavors of prune-plum and coffee and a long, firm finish that demands cellaring. Drink 2008–2020. — J.C. (12/15/2006)

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Clarendon Hills 2008 Astralis Syrah (Clarendon)

Cellar Selection
Online Exclusive

Price $225

A step up from the other Syrahs in the 2008 Clarendon Hills’ lineup, the Astralis is firmly tannic and should be long-lived. The masses of rich black-cherry fruit are amply framed by cedary oak without ever being overwhelmed, with the fruit persisting on the long finish. Try around 2018. — J.C. (7/1/2012)

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Clarendon Hills 2003 Moritz Syrah (Clarendon)

Price $90

This Syrah is still a baby, but is already just a gorgeous expression of pure plum fruit. It's not lush yet—it will probably be drinking its best in around 2012. In the meanwhile deep, intoxicating whiffs of black peppercorns, wheat bread, dried fruit, and fresh plums and berries will just have to hold you over. — D.T. (3/1/2005)

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Clarendon Hills 2003 Clarendon Grenache (Clarendon)

Price $73

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. Imported by Commonwealth Wine & Spirits Inc. — D.T. (8/1/2005)

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Clarendon Hills 2004 Blewitt Springs Grenache (Clarendon)

Price $70

This wine boasts fantastic spice-drop character on the nose, seamlessly blending bold blackberry and plum fruit with notes of anise and licorice. It’s lush and richly textured in the mouth, with a long, spice-driven finish. A wine that’s wonderfully exotic and approachable now, but one that should last up to 10 years. — J.C. (12/15/2006)

Most Reviewed Designations

Astralis Baker’s Gully Blewitt Springs Brookman Clarendon Hickinbotham Kangarilla Liandra Moritz Piggott Range Romas Sandown

Most Reviewed Varietals

Cabernet Sauvignon Grenache Merlot Shiraz Syrah

2010 Center of Effort

A big, strong Pinot with pure, focused flavors of raspberry cream…

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