2023 Clarendon Hills Domaine Clarendon Syrah

Planted in 2005 from Astralis cuttings, this vineyard sits at 350 metres - the highest Syrah site in McLaren Vale - and marks the south-western edge of Blewitt Springs. It’s dry-grown, single-staked, and rooted deep into fractured rock.

The 2023 fruit was hand-picked and fermented wild with a touch of whole berries, then matured in tight-grain French oak for 18 months. As always, it was bottled without fining or filtration.

This vintage follows a long, cool growing season - one of the latest picks on record. The result is Syrah with lift and definition: dark plum, cured meat, some earthy undertones, and that floral thread running right through the core. There’s weight here, but it’s not heavy. The tannins are fine, the structure is clean, and the fruit feels well settled.

A strong release that shows what altitude and patience can do in Blewitt Springs. Built to age, but already in a good place.

94 points
“Seamless, refined finish. A delightful wine and a great value. Drink or hold.”
- Ryan Montgomery (James Suckling)

94 points
“A cool year and philosophical evolution have produced a relatively elegant syrah suite in ’23... It’s a very charming and detailed expression.”
- Marcus Ellis (Wine Companion)

93 points
“It’s a superb wine for the price, hard to beat it.”
- Erin Larkin (Wine Advocate)