The Grenache offerings begin with the purple-colored 2007 Grenache Clarendon. It offers up an expressive nose of spice box, cassis, and cherry compote. Structured on the palate, it has outstanding depth and concentration, savory flavors, and 2-3 years of aging potential. In a sign of the times, pricing for Roman Bratasiuk’s Clarendon Hills portfolio has been reduced by close to 50% across the board. Suddenly, most of the wines offer an excellent price to quality relationship. As usual, the Clarendon Hills wines are unblended, 100% varietal, sourced from mostly old-vine, ungrafted, single vineyards, fermented naturally, and bottled without fining or filtration. Only seasoned oak is used for the Grenache bottlings, 100% new French oak for the Merlot and Cabernets, and 50-100% new French oak for the Syrahs depending upon the cuvee. There is a new addition to the portfolio, a Mourvedre sourced from 12 year old vines and aged in 2 year old French oak. The year 2007 was more difficult than the three that preceded it, marked by a 45-50% reduction in crop levels and elevated tannin from the resulting thick skins. As Bratasiuk notes, “Tight, drying tannin is the hallmark of the vintage.” Nevertheless, this is an impressive collection from one of Australia’s icon wineries.Importer: E & J Gallo, Modesto, CA; www.clarendonhills.com.au

The 2007 Clarendon is in a more feminine, approachable style than Roman Bratasiuk’s other 2007 Grenaches, featuring dried spices, watermelon and cherry aromas and fine—almost delicate—tannins. Cherry-berry flavors finish with hints of cinnamon and clove. Drink now–2015. ——J.C.(10/1/2010)—— 90