Clarendon Hills is a highly regarded winery in McLaren Vale, South Australia, known for producing powerful, single-vineyard wines that express the unique characteristics of each site. Founded by Roman Bratasiuk in 1990, the winery has gained a reputation for its meticulous attention to detail in both the vineyard and the cellar. The 'Romas' Grenache 2016 is one of Clarendon Hills' flagship wines, named after the founder himself, and represents the pinnacle of their Grenache offerings. This wine is crafted from old, dry-farmed bush vines that yield low quantities of intensely flavoured fruit, resulting in a wine of exceptional concentration and complexity.

The 2016 vintage in McLaren Vale was marked by a warm growing season, leading to wines with excellent ripeness and depth. The 'Romas' Grenache is sourced from a single vineyard with ancient, sandy soils over clay, which contribute to the wine's structure and minerality. The grapes are hand-picked, and the wine is fermented using wild yeasts before being aged in French oak barrels. The result is a Grenache of remarkable richness and elegance, with the ability to age gracefully over many years.

Appearance: The wine displays a deep ruby colour with garnet hues, indicative of its concentration and maturity.

Aroma: On the nose, the 'Romas' Grenache 2016 is intense and aromatic, with a complex bouquet of ripe red and black fruits, such as raspberry, blackberry, and cherry. These fruit notes are complemented by layers of spice—particularly black pepper and clove—along with hints of dried herbs, liquorice, and a subtle earthiness. There’s also a touch of vanilla and cedar from the oak aging, adding to the wine’s aromatic complexity.

Taste: The palate is full-bodied and plush, with a luxurious texture that envelops the mouth. Flavors of ripe red and black berries are dominant, intertwined with notes of plum, dark chocolate, and a hint of black tea. The tannins are fine-grained and well-integrated, providing structure without being overpowering. The wine’s acidity is vibrant, adding freshness and balance to the rich fruit and spice components. As the wine opens up, more savoury elements, such as tobacco and leather, emerge, adding depth and complexity.

Finish: The finish is long and persistent, with lingering notes of red fruit, spice, and a touch of minerality. The wine leaves a warm, satisfying aftertaste that reflects its power and elegance, along with its potential for further aging.

Pairing: The 'Romas' Grenache 2016 would pair wonderfully with spiced lamb ribs with burnt maple, parsley, hazelnut crumb, and Persian feta; the wine’s rich fruit and spice profile will complement the lamb's savoury flavours and the dish's sweet and nutty elements. Another excellent pairing would be slow-cooked porchetta wrapped in jamon with cavolo nero, parsley, garlic, onion jam, and red wine jus; the wine’s structure and depth will enhance the porchetta's richness, while its acidity will balance the dish's umami and fat, creating a harmonious and indulgent experience.