Clarendon Hills 2003
The 2003 growing season was very good, achieving ripeness levels similar to 2001, but with reduced crop levels. Flowering was not as successful, due to wind conditions which resulted in an ordinary fruit set and ‘hen and chicken’ characteristics evident on the grapes. These created potential problems; however the crusher was adjusted to compensate, removing smaller unripe berries with the stalks. December, January and February were hot which led to fully ripened, full flavoured grapes being harvested.
Generally, the 2003 Clarendon Hills collection are slightly more structured and tight knit versions than the previous two vintages. Whilst displaying the richness, concetraton and weight of the 2001’s they also have exceptional structure and will be very long lived wines – this is particularly the case for the 2003 Syrahs and Cabernets. The 2001 Grenaches still remain the benchmarks – the 2003’s don’t possess quite the colour saturation, the opulence or supple textures of the 2001’s. The 2003’s tannins are a little firmer and drier and the wines tend to be perhaps a little more elegant in style, not having quite the weight of the 2001’s. Nonetheless, they’re still brilliant examples of the variety particularly the Kangarilla & Romas.
The superstars of the 2003 vintage are Syrah and Cabernets. The 2003 Syrahs possess the trademark Clarendon Hills length and power and offer considerable cellaring potential. They’re probably closer in style to the 2001’s and 2002’s.
The 2003 Cabernets are monumentally structured wines. Like the 2001’s they’re awesomely concentrated and powerful but more tightly knit and may ultimately out do the 2001’s. The 2003 Cabernets possess massive amounts of fruit and richness but are perfectly balanced with the firm fine dry tannin structures. All in all, another outstanding collection of wines from Roman.