Clarendon Hills
Brand Profile
Clarendon Hills, 25 miles south of Adelaide, was established in 1989 by Roman Bratasiuk, the owner/winemaker. Since its establishment just over a decade ago, Clarendon Hills has had amazing success.
Clarendon Hills has received excellent reviews from both critics and publications alike. From The Wine Advocate to the Wine Companion and Wine Spectator, to being named as one of Robert Parker’s ‘Wine Producers of the Year’ in his newsletter Issue 108 – Clarendon Hills continues to impress. In August 2003, Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) named Clarendon Hills as one of Australia and the world’s greatest wineries.
The quality of Clarendon's success can be attributed to a number of things. Firstly, the age of the vines; the town Clarendon was established in 1845. Today many of the vineyards surrounding the winery are over seventy years old; the gnarly and twisted bush vines are dry farmed and the grapes are hand picked.
Secondly, the soil variation and quality; the soil profiles of each winery are very different, from the rock and shale of Piggott Range to the heavy clay of the Clarendon Grenache Vineyard.
Lastly, Roman’s dedication and philosophy to winemaking; his aim is quite simply to make wines equal to anything in the world.
Special parcels of grapes are selected from old dry grown vineyards in the Clarendon, Blewitt Springs and Kangarilla sub regions of South Australia. All the vineyards are within six kilometres of the winery, about forty kilometres south of Adelaide.
All grapes are hand pruned and hand picked. The juice is fermented using natural yeasts. The reds undergo a warm fermentation (up to 32°C) and an extended maceration. All the pressings are returned to the barrel (100% new if required). All the wines are matured in imported Burgundian barriques.
The wines are then bottled without fining or filtration to capture the individual vineyard character. There are now fifteen single vineyard wines and they are 100% varietal. The above techniques are used to produce rich complex wines that will age very well in the cellar and also will complement food extremely well. The aim is to make these wines equal to anything in the world.
WINE PORTFOLIO
Vineyards:
Astralis
Astralis Vineyard Shiraz is the flagship wine in the Clarendon Hills range. Planted in the early 1930’s on the due east facing slopes on clay, ironstone soil it is one of the earliest blocks to ripen every year due to the old age of the vines and the low crops of about two tonnes to the acre. The grapes are fermented in the open stainless steel tanks up to 32°C to extract the colour and tannin for long aging up to 30 years.
The first vintage was 1994 and the average production is 600 dozen. Astralis usually exhibits great purple-black colour and a very exotic bouquet of black berry and mocha. The palate is extremely long on the finish and the tannins are ripe and integrated – overall a most magical wine.
Piggott Range
“Soil” profile of the Piggott Range Vineyard showing the complete lack of soil. Just rock and shale. The vine roots travel between the cracks in the rocks. This vineyard produces very concentrated wine that needs long cellaring to develop nuances and soften the high tannin content.
Hickinbotham
Hickinbotham old vine Grenache Vineyard planted in Clarendon in 1920. Faces north and slopes back into the Onkaparinga Valley.
Hickinbotham Shiraz Vineyard planted in 1965 on hard clay and ironstone soil again facing north into the Onkaparinga Valley.
Blewitt Springs
Mid and lower slopes of the Blewitt Springs Vineyard are the source of this wine. Yields average two tonnes to the acre and the resultant wine is very rich and very fleshy in the mouth. As with all Clarendon Hills wines this wine is made in a very traditional manner with minimal intervention being the key.
Clarendon
This vineyard was planted in 1920 in a natural ampitheatre on heavy clay soil. The aspect is southerly which is the coolest possible. Altitude is 250 metres. The resultant wine is very aromatic and contains lavender and basil smells. Always the most elegant of the single vineyard grenaches and perhaps the most beautiful.
Brookman
Cabernet Sauvignon planted in 1940 on their own roots in ironstone gravel with a northwest aspect. Perfect for great cabernet matured in 100% new French oak for 18 months to produce a very fine classic cabernet style.
The Brookman Shiraz Vines were planted in 1925 in gravel, ironstone and clay soils. The vines face northwest and ripen fully to produce one of the most complex wines in the Clarendon range.
Wine Profile
Astralis Syrah
Astralis Vineyard Shiraz is the flagship wine in the Clarendon Hills range. Planted in the early 1930’s on the due east facing slopes on clay, ironstone soil it is one of the earliest blocks to ripen every year due to the old age of the vines and the low crops of about two tonnes to the acre. The grapes are fermented in the open stainless steel tanks up to 32°C to extract the colour and tannin for long aging up to 30 years.
The first vintage was 1994 and the average production is 600 dozen. Astralis usually exhibits great purple-black colour and a very exotic bouquet of black berry and mocha. The palate is extremely long on the finish and the tannins are ripe and integrated – overall a most magical wine.
Wine Profile
Brookman Cabernet
Cabernet Sauvignon planted in 1940 on their own roots in ironstone gravel with a northwest aspect. Perfect for great cabernet matured in 100% new French oak for 18 months to produce a very fine classic cabernet style.
Wine Profile
Hickinbotham Cabernet
This flagship cabernet boasts a saturated ruby/purple color as well as a big, full-bodied perfume of creme de cassis, cedar, spice box and tobacco leaf. Full-bodied and concentrated mouthfeel, a boatload of tannin and a monster finish.
Wine Profile
Sandown Cabernet
Full-bodied, revealing notes of black currants, cherries and earth.
Wine Profile
Blewitt Springs Grenache
Mid and lower slopes of the Blewitt Springs Vineyard are the source of this wine. Yields average two tonnes to the acre and the resultant wine is very rich and very fleshy in the mouth. As with all Clarendon Hills wines this wine is made in a very traditional manner with minimal intervention being the key.
Wine Profile
Clarendon Grenache
This vineyard was planted in 1920 in a natural ampitheatre on heavy clay soil. The aspect is southerly which is the coolest possible. Altitude is 250 metres. The resultant wine is very aromatic and contains lavender and basil smells. Always the most elegant of the single vineyard grenaches and perhaps the most beautiful.
Wine Profile
Hickinbotham Grenache
This elegant wine exhibits notes of raspberries, strawberries, and cherries along with hints of fig and charcoal. From the Hickinbotham old vine Grenache Vineyard planted in Clarendon in 1920. Faces north and slopes back into the Onkaparinga Valley.
Wine Profile
Kangarilla Grenache
Provocative aromas of black cherries, raspberries, earth, sandstone and balsam are followed by a wine with huge body, fabulous concentration and a wonderful minerality.
Wine Profile
Romas Grenache
A wine of dense ruby/plum color with a raspberry and blackberry scented perfume. An unctuously textured mouthfeel, marvelous elegance, and an incredibly intoxicating personality.
Wine Profile
Brookman Merlot
Exhibits a dense ruby/purple color as well as notes of dried herbs intermixed with espresso roast and medium to full body.
Wine Profile
Brookman Syrah
A dense purple wine with a rich, pure nose of blueberries, blackberries, spice and truffles. Superb fruit, great texture, well intergrated tannin and a long finish. The Brookman Shiraz Vines were planted in 1925 in gravel, ironstone and clay soils. The vines face northwest and ripen fully to produce one of the most complex wines in the Clarendon range.
Wine Profile
Hickinbotham Syrah
Fabulous notes of melted licorice, smoke, asphalt, creme de cassis and roasted jus de viande, this wine is full-bodied, dense yet remarkably elegant, well balanced. Hickinbotham Shiraz Vineyard planted in 1965 on hard clay and ironstone soil again facing north into the Onkaparinga Valley.
Wine Profile
Liandra Syrah
Offers a tremendous perfume of black fruits, incense, pepper, vanilla and licorice. Full-bodied with an long finish.
Wine Profile
Moritz Syrah
Fabulous concentration, wonderful density, a saturated ruby/purple color with sweet aromas of black fruits, flowers, espresso and white chocolate. Rich, long velvety textured and well balanced.
Wine Profile
Piggott Syrah
“Soil” profile of the Piggott Range Vineyard showing the complete lack of soil. Just rock and shale. The vine roots travel between the cracks in the rocks. This vineyard produces very concentrated wine that needs long cellaring to develop nuances and soften the high tannin content.
Wine Profile
Bakers Gully Syrah
Reveals copious quantities of black fruits, pepper, licorice and earth. Spicy, expansive and a treat to drink.
Reviews & Awards
Astralis Syrah
From Wine Advocate Vol. 155, October 25, 2004
96-100
“There are generally 600-800 cases of what is becoming Australia’s greatest Syrah, Clarendon Hills Astralis. Last year I made the arguments that, compared to its closest competition, the famed Penfold’s Grange, Astralis is (1) a more natural wine, without added tannin, (2) made from a single vineyard, (3) not the product of a corporate committee, (4) aged in French versus American oak, and (5) clearly an
expression of specific terroir. The 2003 Syrah Astralis stood out as a spectacular offering, possibly as good as the virtually perfect 2002.”
“With each new vintage, Roman Bratasiuk appears to be a more and more confident Australian superstar, producing a range of wines that is mindboggling for its quality and breadth of aromatics as well as flavors. Everything is aged in French oak. The Grenache cuvees see virtually no new oak. They Syrahs vary from as low as 20% new oak to as much as 90% or more for the Astralis. The same is true for the Merlots and Cabernet Sauvignons. All the Clarendon Hills wines are bottled without fining or filtration. Bratasiuk explained that the 2003 vintage enjoyed an average size crisp, very good ripeness, and stylistically was closer to 2001 than 2002. Of course, 2001 was one of the hottest growing seasons on record, with 2002 being one of the coolest and longest on record. Bratasiuk also stated (and this has been confirmed by other McLaren Vale producers) this region experienced its worst drought in over a century during the growing season. That, combined with extremely windy weather during the flowering and set, resulted in very low yields, but also the possibility of intense flavor concentration. Most of the Clarendon Hill cuvees were (quantitatively) off by 20% - 30%. My tastings confirmed that the 2003 Clarendon Hills are top-flight, and do not suffer in comparison with their magnificent 2002s and 2001s.”
“Roman Bratasiuk is one of Planet Earth’s greatest winemakers, and obviously a top-notch viticulturist given his obsession with sourcing extraordinary fruit from ancient McLaren Vale vineyards.”
Reviews & Awards
Brookman Cabernet
From Wine Advocate Vol. 155, October 25, 2004
90
“..classic characteristics of creme de cassis, tobacco leaf, dried herbs, and vanilla. Medium to full-bodied and tightly knit with loads of tannins as well as concentration. 100% Cabernet.”
“With each new vintage, Roman Bratasiuk appears to be a more and more confident Australian superstar, producing a range of wines that is mindboggling for its quality and breadth of aromatics as well as flavors. Everything is aged in French oak. The Grenache cuvees see virtually no new oak. They Syrahs vary from as low as 20% new oak to as much as 90% or more for the Astralis. The same is true for the Merlots and Cabernet Sauvignons. All the Clarendon Hills wines are bottled without fining or filtration. Bratasiuk explained that the 2003 vintage enjoyed an average size crisp, very good ripeness, and stylistically was closer to 2001 than 2002. Of course, 2001 was one of the hottest growing seasons on record, with 2002 being one of the coolest and longest on record. Bratasiuk also stated (and this has been confirmed by other McLaren Vale producers) this region experienced its worst drought in over a century during the growing season. That, combined with extremely windy weather during the flowering and set, resulted in very low yields, but also the possibility of intense flavor concentration. Most of the Clarendon Hill cuvees were (quantitatively) off by 20% - 30%. My tastings confirmed that the 2003 Clarendon Hills are top-flight, and do not suffer in comparison with their magnificent 2002s and 2001s.”
“Roman Bratasiuk is one of Planet Earth’s greatest winemakers, and obviously a top-notch viticulturist given his obsession with sourcing extraordinary fruit from ancient McLaren Vale vineyards.”
Reviews & Awards
Hickinbotham Cabernet Sauvignon
From Wine Advocate Vol. 155, October 25, 2004
93+
“Flagship Cabernet....boasts a saturated ruby/purple color as well as a big, full-bodied perfume of creme de cassis, cedar, spice box, and tobacco leaf. With a hugh concentrated mouthfeel, a boatload of tannin, and a monster finish...”
“With each new vintage, Roman Bratasiuk appears to be a more and more confident Australian superstar, producing a range of wines that is mindboggling for its quality and breadth of aromatics as well as flavors. Everything is aged in French oak. The Grenache cuvees see virtually no new oak. They Syrahs vary from as low as 20% new oak to as much as 90% or more for the Astralis. The same is true for the Merlots and Cabernet Sauvignons. All the Clarendon Hills wines are bottled without fining or filtration. Bratasiuk explained that the 2003 vintage enjoyed an average size crisp, very good ripeness, and stylistically was closer to 2001 than 2002. Of course, 2001 was one of the hottest growing seasons on record, with 2002 being one of the coolest and longest on record. Bratasiuk also stated (and this has been confirmed by other McLaren Vale producers) this region experienced its worst drought in over a century during the growing season. That, combined with extremely windy weather during the flowering and set, resulted in very low yields, but also the possibility of intense flavor concentration. Most of the Clarendon Hill cuvees were (quantitatively) off by 20% - 30%. My tastings confirmed that the 2003 Clarendon Hills are top-flight, and do not suffer in comparison with their magnificent 2002s and 2001s.”
“Roman Bratasiuk is one of Planet Earth’s greatest winemakers, and obviously a top-notch viticulturist given his obsession with sourcing extraordinary fruit from ancient McLaren Vale vineyards.”
Reviews & Awards
Sandown Cabernet Sauvignon
From Wine Advocate Vol. 155, October 25, 2004
90
“...full-bodied, tannic effort revealing notes of black currants, cherries, earth and underbrush. This powerful, potent Cabernet requires 4-6 years of cellaring; it should keep for 15+ years.”
“With each new vintage, Roman Bratasiuk appears to be a more and more confident Australian superstar, producing a range of wines that is mindboggling for its quality and breadth of aromatics as well as flavors. Everything is aged in French oak. The Grenache cuvees see virtually no new oak. They Syrahs vary from as low as 20% new oak to as much as 90% or more for the Astralis. The same is true for the Merlots and Cabernet Sauvignons. All the Clarendon Hills wines are bottled without fining or filtration. Bratasiuk explained that the 2003 vintage enjoyed an average size crisp, very good ripeness, and stylistically was closer to 2001 than 2002. Of course, 2001 was one of the hottest growing seasons on record, with 2002 being one of the coolest and longest on record. Bratasiuk also stated (and this has been confirmed by other McLaren Vale producers) this region experienced its worst drought in over a century during the growing season. That, combined with extremely windy weather during the flowering and set, resulted in very low yields, but also the possibility of intense flavor concentration. Most of the Clarendon Hill cuvees were (quantitatively) off by 20% - 30%. My tastings confirmed that the 2003 Clarendon Hills are top-flight, and do not suffer in comparison with their magnificent 2002s and 2001s.”
“Roman Bratasiuk is one of Planet Earth’s greatest winemakers, and obviously a top-notch viticulturist given his obsession with sourcing extraordinary fruit from ancient McLaren Vale vineyards.”
Reviews & Awards
Blewitt Springs Grenache
From Wine Advocate Vol. 155, October 25, 2004
92-94
“The 'Dolly Parton' of Grenache is the 2003 Grenache Old Vines Blewitt Springs, from a vineyard whose soils include quartz, sand, and loam. This opulent, voluptuous, deep ruby/purple-colored effort offer a heady mixture of red and black fruits....”
“With each new vintage, Roman Bratasiuk appears to be a more and more confident Australian superstar, producing a range of wines that is mindboggling for its quality and breadth of aromatics as well as flavors. Everything is aged in French oak. The Grenache cuvees see virtually no new oak. They Syrahs vary from as low as 20% new oak to as much as 90% or more for the Astralis. The same is true for the Merlots and Cabernet Sauvignons. All the Clarendon Hills wines are bottled without fining or filtration. Bratasiuk explained that the 2003 vintage enjoyed an average size crisp, very good ripeness, and stylistically was closer to 2001 than 2002. Of course, 2001 was one of the hottest growing seasons on record, with 2002 being one of the coolest and longest on record. Bratasiuk also stated (and this has been confirmed by other McLaren Vale producers) this region experienced its worst drought in over a century during the growing season. That, combined with extremely windy weather during the flowering and set, resulted in very low yields, but also the possibility of intense flavor concentration. Most of the Clarendon Hill cuvees were (quantitatively) off by 20% - 30%. My tastings confirmed that the 2003 Clarendon Hills are top-flight, and do not suffer in comparison with their magnificent 2002s and 2001s.”
“Roman Bratasiuk is one of Planet Earth’s greatest winemakers, and obviously a top-notch viticulturist given his obsession with sourcing extraordinary fruit from ancient McLaren Vale vineyards.”
Reviews & Awards
Clarendon Grenache
From Wine Advocate Vol. 155, October 25, 2004
90-93
“Clarendon Hills is the reference point for high quality Australian Grenache. The brilliant, evolved 2003 Grenache Old Vines Clarendon Vineyard (head-pruned vines planted in 1920) reveals notes of sweet cherry jam intermixed with licorice and sandy/loany soil undertones. Full-bodied, opulent and lush, it should be consumed over the next 7-10 years.”
“With each new vintage, Roman Bratasiuk appears to be a more and more confident Australian superstar, producing a range of wines that is mindboggling for its quality and breadth of aromatics as well as flavors. Everything is aged in French oak. The Grenache cuvees see virtually no new oak. They Syrahs vary from as low as 20% new oak to as much as 90% or more for the Astralis. The same is true for the Merlots and Cabernet Sauvignons. All the Clarendon Hills wines are bottled without fining or filtration. Bratasiuk explained that the 2003 vintage enjoyed an average size crisp, very good ripeness, and stylistically was closer to 2001 than 2002. Of course, 2001 was one of the hottest growing seasons on record, with 2002 being one of the coolest and longest on record. Bratasiuk also stated (and this has been confirmed by other McLaren Vale producers) this region experienced its worst drought in over a century during the growing season. That, combined with extremely windy weather during the flowering and set, resulted in very low yields, but also the possibility of intense flavor concentration. Most of the Clarendon Hill cuvees were (quantitatively) off by 20% - 30%. My tastings confirmed that the 2003 Clarendon Hills are top-flight, and do not suffer in comparison with their magnificent 2002s and 2001s.”
“Roman Bratasiuk is one of Planet Earth’s greatest winemakers, and obviously a top-notch viticulturist given his obsession with sourcing extraordinary fruit from ancient McLaren Vale vineyards.”
Reviews & Awards
Hickinbotham Grenache
From Wine Advocate Vol. 155, October 25, 2004
91-93
“The elegant, deep ruby/purple hued 2003 Grenache Old Vines Hickenbotham Vineyard exhibits notes of raspberries, strawberries, and cherries along with hints of fig and charcoal.”
“With each new vintage, Roman Bratasiuk appears to be a more and more confident Australian superstar, producing a range of wines that is mindboggling for its quality and breadth of aromatics as well as flavors. Everything is aged in French oak. The Grenache cuvees see virtually no new oak. They Syrahs vary from as low as 20% new oak to as much as 90% or more for the Astralis. The same is true for the Merlots and Cabernet Sauvignons. All the Clarendon Hills wines are bottled without fining or filtration. Bratasiuk explained that the 2003 vintage enjoyed an average size crisp, very good ripeness, and stylistically was closer to 2001 than 2002. Of course, 2001 was one of the hottest growing seasons on record, with 2002 being one of the coolest and longest on record. Bratasiuk also stated (and this has been confirmed by other McLaren Vale producers) this region experienced its worst drought in over a century during the growing season. That, combined with extremely windy weather during the flowering and set, resulted in very low yields, but also the possibility of intense flavor concentration. Most of the Clarendon Hill cuvees were (quantitatively) off by 20% - 30%. My tastings confirmed that the 2003 Clarendon Hills are top-flight, and do not suffer in comparison with their magnificent 2002s and 2001s.”
“Roman Bratasiuk is one of Planet Earth’s greatest winemakers, and obviously a top-notch viticulturist given his obsession with sourcing extraordinary fruit from ancient McLaren Vale vineyards.”
Reviews & Awards
Kangarilla Grenache
From Wine Advocate Vol. 155, October 25, 2004
93-95
“The 2003 Grenache Old Vines Kangarilla Vineyard (planted in sandy soils overlaying heavy clay) is the richest of the 2003 Grenaches except for the top-of-the-line Romas.”
“With each new vintage, Roman Bratasiuk appears to be a more and more confident Australian superstar, producing a range of wines that is mindboggling for its quality and breadth of aromatics as well as flavors. Everything is aged in French oak. The Grenache cuvees see virtually no new oak. They Syrahs vary from as low as 20% new oak to as much as 90% or more for the Astralis. The same is true for the Merlots and Cabernet Sauvignons. All the Clarendon Hills wines are bottled without fining or filtration. Bratasiuk explained that the 2003 vintage enjoyed an average size crisp, very good ripeness, and stylistically was closer to 2001 than 2002. Of course, 2001 was one of the hottest growing seasons on record, with 2002 being one of the coolest and longest on record. Bratasiuk also stated (and this has been confirmed by other McLaren Vale producers) this region experienced its worst drought in over a century during the growing season. That, combined with extremely windy weather during the flowering and set, resulted in very low yields, but also the possibility of intense flavor concentration. Most of the Clarendon Hill cuvees were (quantitatively) off by 20% - 30%. My tastings confirmed that the 2003 Clarendon Hills are top-flight, and do not suffer in comparison with their magnificent 2002s and 2001s.”
“Roman Bratasiuk is one of Planet Earth’s greatest winemakers, and obviously a top-notch viticulturist given his obsession with sourcing extraordinary fruit from ancient McLaren Vale vineyards.”
Reviews & Awards
Romas Grenache
From Wine Advocate Vol. 155, October 25, 2004
95-97
“Clarendon Hills’ flagship Grenache, the 2003 Grenache Old Vines Romas Vineyard is the densest, most exotic of these wines...”
“With each new vintage, Roman Bratasiuk appears to be a more and more confident Australian superstar, producing a range of wines that is mindboggling for its quality and breadth of aromatics as well as flavors. Everything is aged in French oak. The Grenache cuvees see virtually no new oak. They Syrahs vary from as low as 20% new oak to as much as 90% or more for the Astralis. The same is true for the Merlots and Cabernet Sauvignons. All the Clarendon Hills wines are bottled without fining or filtration. Bratasiuk explained that the 2003 vintage enjoyed an average size crisp, very good ripeness, and stylistically was closer to 2001 than 2002. Of course, 2001 was one of the hottest growing seasons on record, with 2002 being one of the coolest and longest on record. Bratasiuk also stated (and this has been confirmed by other McLaren Vale producers) this region experienced its worst drought in over a century during the growing season. That, combined with extremely windy weather during the flowering and set, resulted in very low yields, but also the possibility of intense flavor concentration. Most of the Clarendon Hill cuvees were (quantitatively) off by 20% - 30%. My tastings confirmed that the 2003 Clarendon Hills are top-flight, and do not suffer in comparison with their magnificent 2002s and 2001s.”
“Roman Bratasiuk is one of Planet Earth’s greatest winemakers, and obviously a top-notch viticulturist given his obsession with sourcing extraordinary fruit from ancient McLaren Vale vineyards.”
Reviews & Awards
Brookman Merlot
From Wine Advocate Vol. 155, October 25, 2004
88
“The 2003 Merlot Brookman Vineyard exhibits a dense ruby/purple color as well as notes of dried herbs intermixed with espresso roast, and medium to full body.”
“With each new vintage, Roman Bratasiuk appears to be a more and more confident Australian superstar, producing a range of wines that is mindboggling for its quality and breadth of aromatics as well as flavors. Everything is aged in French oak. The Grenache cuvees see virtually no new oak. They Syrahs vary from as low as 20% new oak to as much as 90% or more for the Astralis. The same is true for the Merlots and Cabernet Sauvignons. All the Clarendon Hills wines are bottled without fining or filtration. Bratasiuk explained that the 2003 vintage enjoyed an average size crisp, very good ripeness, and stylistically was closer to 2001 than 2002. Of course, 2001 was one of the hottest growing seasons on record, with 2002 being one of the coolest and longest on record. Bratasiuk also stated (and this has been confirmed by other McLaren Vale producers) this region experienced its worst drought in over a century during the growing season. That, combined with extremely windy weather during the flowering and set, resulted in very low yields, but also the possibility of intense flavor concentration. Most of the Clarendon Hill cuvees were (quantitatively) off by 20% - 30%. My tastings confirmed that the 2003 Clarendon Hills are top-flight, and do not suffer in comparison with their magnificent 2002s and 2001s.”
“Roman Bratasiuk is one of Planet Earth’s greatest winemakers, and obviously a top-notch viticulturist given his obsession with sourcing extraordinary fruit from ancient McLaren Vale vineyards.”
Reviews & Awards
Brookman Syrah
From Wine Advocate Vol. 155, October 25, 2004
94-96
“Truly great stuff, the 2003 Syrah Brookman Vineyard boasts a dense purple color in addition to a rich, pure nose of blueberries, blackberries, camphor, spice and truffles.”
“With each new vintage, Roman Bratasiuk appears to be a more and more confident Australian superstar, producing a range of wines that is mindboggling for its quality and breadth of aromatics as well as flavors. Everything is aged in French oak. The Grenache cuvees see virtually no new oak. They Syrahs vary from as low as 20% new oak to as much as 90% or more for the Astralis. The same is true for the Merlots and Cabernet Sauvignons. All the Clarendon Hills wines are bottled without fining or filtration. Bratasiuk explained that the 2003 vintage enjoyed an average size crisp, very good ripeness, and stylistically was closer to 2001 than 2002. Of course, 2001 was one of the hottest growing seasons on record, with 2002 being one of the coolest and longest on record. Bratasiuk also stated (and this has been confirmed by other McLaren Vale producers) this region experienced its worst drought in over a century during the growing season. That, combined with extremely windy weather during the flowering and set, resulted in very low yields, but also the possibility of intense flavor concentration. Most of the Clarendon Hill cuvees were (quantitatively) off by 20% - 30%. My tastings confirmed that the 2003 Clarendon Hills are top-flight, and do not suffer in comparison with their magnificent 2002s and 2001s.”
“Roman Bratasiuk is one of Planet Earth’s greatest winemakers, and obviously a top-notch viticulturist given his obsession with sourcing extraordinary fruit from ancient McLaren Vale vineyards.”
Reviews & Awards
Hickinbotham Syrah
From Wine Advocate Vol. 155, October 25, 2004
94-96
“With fabulous notes of melted licorice, smoke, asphalt, creme de cassis, and roasted jus de viande, this full-bodied, dense yet remarkably elegant, well balanced Syrah should hit its peak in 2-3 years, and last for 15+.”
“With each new vintage, Roman Bratasiuk appears to be a more and more confident Australian superstar, producing a range of wines that is mindboggling for its quality and breadth of aromatics as well as flavors. Everything is aged in French oak. The Grenache cuvees see virtually no new oak. They Syrahs vary from as low as 20% new oak to as much as 90% or more for the Astralis. The same is true for the Merlots and Cabernet Sauvignons. All the Clarendon Hills wines are bottled without fining or filtration. Bratasiuk explained that the 2003 vintage enjoyed an average size crisp, very good ripeness, and stylistically was closer to 2001 than 2002. Of course, 2001 was one of the hottest growing seasons on record, with 2002 being one of the coolest and longest on record. Bratasiuk also stated (and this has been confirmed by other McLaren Vale producers) this region experienced its worst drought in over a century during the growing season. That, combined with extremely windy weather during the flowering and set, resulted in very low yields, but also the possibility of intense flavor concentration. Most of the Clarendon Hill cuvees were (quantitatively) off by 20% - 30%. My tastings confirmed that the 2003 Clarendon Hills are top-flight, and do not suffer in comparison with their magnificent 2002s and 2001s.”
“Roman Bratasiuk is one of Planet Earth’s greatest winemakers, and obviously a top-notch viticulturist given his obsession with sourcing extraordinary fruit from ancient McLaren Vale vineyards.”
Reviews & Awards
Liandra Syrah
From Wine Advocate Vol. 155, October 25, 2004
92-95
“Full-bodied, with beautiful integration of its structural elements as well as tremendous purity (a characteristic of all the Clarendon Hills wines).”
“With each new vintage, Roman Bratasiuk appears to be a more and more confident Australian superstar, producing a range of wines that is mindboggling for its quality and breadth of aromatics as well as flavors. Everything is aged in French oak. The Grenache cuvees see virtually no new oak. They Syrahs vary from as low as 20% new oak to as much as 90% or more for the Astralis. The same is true for the Merlots and Cabernet Sauvignons. All the Clarendon Hills wines are bottled without fining or filtration. Bratasiuk explained that the 2003 vintage enjoyed an average size crisp, very good ripeness, and stylistically was closer to 2001 than 2002. Of course, 2001 was one of the hottest growing seasons on record, with 2002 being one of the coolest and longest on record. Bratasiuk also stated (and this has been confirmed by other McLaren Vale producers) this region experienced its worst drought in over a century during the growing season. That, combined with extremely windy weather during the flowering and set, resulted in very low yields, but also the possibility of intense flavor concentration. Most of the Clarendon Hill cuvees were (quantitatively) off by 20% - 30%. My tastings confirmed that the 2003 Clarendon Hills are top-flight, and do not suffer in comparison with their magnificent 2002s and 2001s.”
“Roman Bratasiuk is one of Planet Earth’s greatest winemakers, and obviously a top-notch viticulturist given his obsession with sourcing extraordinary fruit from ancient McLaren Vale vineyards.”
Reviews & Awards
Moritz Syrah
From Wine Advocate Vol. 155, October 25, 2004
92-95
“The 2003 Syrah Moritz Vineyard is characterized by its extraordinary balance and purity.”
“With each new vintage, Roman Bratasiuk appears to be a more and more confident Australian superstar, producing a range of wines that is mindboggling for its quality and breadth of aromatics as well as flavors. Everything is aged in French oak. The Grenache cuvees see virtually no new oak. They Syrahs vary from as low as 20% new oak to as much as 90% or more for the Astralis. The same is true for the Merlots and Cabernet Sauvignons. All the Clarendon Hills wines are bottled without fining or filtration. Bratasiuk explained that the 2003 vintage enjoyed an average size crisp, very good ripeness, and stylistically was closer to 2001 than 2002. Of course, 2001 was one of the hottest growing seasons on record, with 2002 being one of the coolest and longest on record. Bratasiuk also stated (and this has been confirmed by other McLaren Vale producers) this region experienced its worst drought in over a century during the growing season. That, combined with extremely windy weather during the flowering and set, resulted in very low yields, but also the possibility of intense flavor concentration. Most of the Clarendon Hill cuvees were (quantitatively) off by 20% - 30%. My tastings confirmed that the 2003 Clarendon Hills are top-flight, and do not suffer in comparison with their magnificent 2002s and 2001s.”
“Roman Bratasiuk is one of Planet Earth’s greatest winemakers, and obviously a top-notch viticulturist given his obsession with sourcing extraordinary fruit from ancient McLaren Vale vineyards.”
Reviews & Awards
Piggott Syrah
No reviews and awards available at this time.
Reviews & Awards
Bakers Gully Syrah
From Wine Advocate Vol. 155, October 25, 2004
88-90
“The well made 2003 Syrah Bakers Gully, which comes from 10 year old vines, reveals copious quantities of black fruits, pepper, licorice, and earth. Spicy, expansive, and a treat to drink.”
“With each new vintage, Roman Bratasiuk appears to be a more and more confident Australian superstar, producing a range of wines that is mindboggling for its quality and breadth of aromatics as well as flavors. Everything is aged in French oak. The Grenache cuvees see virtually no new oak. They Syrahs vary from as low as 20% new oak to as much as 90% or more for the Astralis. The same is true for the Merlots and Cabernet Sauvignons. All the Clarendon Hills wines are bottled without fining or filtration. Bratasiuk explained that the 2003 vintage enjoyed an average size crisp, very good ripeness, and stylistically was closer to 2001 than 2002. Of course, 2001 was one of the hottest growing seasons on record, with 2002 being one of the coolest and longest on record. Bratasiuk also stated (and this has been confirmed by other McLaren Vale producers) this region experienced its worst drought in over a century during the growing season. That, combined with extremely windy weather during the flowering and set, resulted in very low yields, but also the possibility of intense flavor concentration. Most of the Clarendon Hill cuvees were (quantitatively) off by 20% - 30%. My tastings confirmed that the 2003 Clarendon Hills are top-flight, and do not suffer in comparison with their magnificent 2002s and 2001s.”
“Roman Bratasiuk is one of Planet Earth’s greatest winemakers, and obviously a top-notch viticulturist given his obsession with sourcing extraordinary fruit from ancient McLaren Vale vineyards.”