Clarendon Hills Domaine Clarendon Grenache 2023

While McLaren Vale is famous for bold Shiraz, this Grenache showcases the region's softer side with elegant rose petal and lavender aromatics. The wine demonstrates how Grenache thrives in McLaren Vale's warm Mediterranean climate, developing concentrated fruit flavours while maintaining the variety's characteristic silky texture and bright acidity that distinguishes it from the region's more muscular reds.

This wine is crafted from declassified parcels of Clarendon Hills' premium Grenache vineyards - fruit that didn't quite make it into their top-tier single-vineyard bottlings but still maintains exceptional quality. It's a perfect example of how prestigious producers can offer accessible wines without compromising on winemaking standards, giving wine lovers a taste of Clarendon Hills' renowned style at a more approachable price point.

Serve this wine slightly cooler than typical reds, around 16-18°C, to highlight its fresh, perfumed aromatics and silky texture. The wine's bright acidity and fine tannins make it incredibly food-friendly - try it with herb-crusted lamb, Mediterranean dishes with dried herbs, or even lightly spiced Middle Eastern cuisine where Grenache's natural affinity for warm spices can shine.

This describes wines that deliver intensity and complexity without being heavy or overwhelming on the palate. The 2023 Domaine Clarendon achieves this through its full-bodied structure balanced by bright acidity and fine, sandy tannins that provide backbone without dominating the fruit. It's the hallmark of well-made Grenache - wines that can age gracefully while remaining approachable in their youth.

While delicious now with its vibrant fruit and floral aromatics, this Grenache has the structure to develop beautifully over 5-8 years. The fine tannins and bright acidity provide the framework for ageing, where the wine will likely develop more savoury, earthy complexity while the fruit evolves from fresh berry to more concentrated, dried fruit characters typical of mature Grenache.