On the nose, at first simpler than I expected, with spices prevailing over the black fruits flavours. Menthol and balsamic notes come forward and predominate the first impression. After a while, plumb and blackberries aromas come more to the stage and after one hour dominates.
In the mouth, very filling and velvety from the first contact with the lips till the end of the (very) lingering aftertaste. When swallowing, the fruits that where a bit hiding on the nose, come out with an explosion of sensory delight. The finish is simply delicious.
This Syrah is one of those wines that don’t make me feel like pairing it with food. I find it complete and fulfilling on his own. I’m afraid that mixing it with the taste of food decreases the enjoyment of the nectar. However, I later had a glass with a piece of meat and kept enjoying it greatly.
This is undoubtedly another great wine from Clarendon Hills, an Australian winery dedicated to single vineyard terroir wines, which strives for purity and perfection.
I already had a bottle of Onkaparinga Syrah 2005 in December 2016. Although back then I wasn’t publishing posts yet, I remember already enjoying it a lot. This time, paying more attention to the tasting experience, I can only confirm that first impression.
The wine currently sells for 54 CHF a bottle at ARVI. Although it is now 10 CHF more expensive than 2 years ago, it still offers very good value. The wine is rich but not heavy, layered and complex, hiding its 14.5% alcohol very well.
In December 2017 I rated on this blog another Syrah produced by Clarendon Hills: Moritz 2003. I gave it a 5/5 on the Pascal Enjoyment’s Index. A rating that I can only confirm for this Onkaparinga 2005 as well.
Country: Australia
Region: McLaren Vale
Grapes: Shiraz
Type: Red
Vintage: 2005
Producer: Clarendon Hills
Price Range: Extra (50-100 US$)
Pascal’s Enjoyment Index: 5/5