30 December 2017
Mature Shiraz from Australia. Very dark and brilliant color, despite the age, which let assume a lot of matter in the glass.
Clean and intense nose of blue and blackberry jam, licorice and damp earth. In the mouth it keeps it promises. Smooth, velvety tannins, full body, fruit driven with black tea sensations. Port-like finish. Overall very pleasant, with a long aftertaste.
Although from the New World, Clarendon Hills winery (producer of the cult wine Astralis) is dedicated to single vineyard terroir wines, according to the Old World tradition. More an exception than the rule Down Under, where the Winemaking techniques tend to predominate above Terroir. Penfolds Grange being the symbol of this approach. This iconic Australian wine is in fact made from grapes harvested over a wide area, making the precise composition of the wine changing from year to year. The expertise of the winemaker, more than the qualities of the specific place where the grapes are grown, is the key of its quality.
Got this bottle at ARVI for 54 CHF. An outstanding Shiraz, without doubts ready to be enjoyed.
Country: Australia
Region: McLaren Vale
Grapes: Shiraz
Type: Red
Vintage: 2003
Producer: Clarendon Hills
Price Range: Extra (50-100 US$)
Pascal’s Enjoyment Index: 5/5