1998 Clarendon Hills Syrah Liandra Vineyard
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Tasting notes
The dark ruby/purple-colored 1998 Shiraz Liandra Vineyard (1,800 cases) exhibits beautiful, sweet, blackberry fruit intertwined with pepper, saddle leather, and spice. Rhone-like in its aromatics, this rich, full-bodied, compelling Shiraz displays low acidity as well as a fleshy, succulent mouth-feel. It should drink well for 10-15 years. This immense, super-concentrated, muscular wine appears to mirror the personality and stature of proprietor/winemaker Roman Bratasiuk. Clarendon Hills produces some of my favorite Australian wines, and readers looking for flavor, personality, and pleasure, should seek out this limited production gem. Imported by The Australian Premium Wine Collection, John Larchet, USA Wine West, LLC, San Rafael, CA; phone: (800)-485-5753 and Chicago Brands, Chicago, IL; tel. (312) 466-9300.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Bright medium ruby. Roasted nuts, minerals and charred oak on the nose, along with a hint of lees. Firm-edged fruit seems a bit rigid and dry; doesn't deliver the richness promised by the nose. Finishes with rather tough tannins and modest length. An awkward showing.
About the producer
Based in the McLaren Vale, Clarendon Hills has been one of the pioneering names in Australian wine. Focusing on single-site expressions of individual grapes, working with old dry-farmed vineyards, it has become one of the world’s leading producers, best known for its iconic Astralis Shiraz.