The 2007 Grenache Blewitt Springs is more reticent aromatically as well as tighter and more structured on the palate than the first two wines. There is tannin to resolve in the finish as well, although the wine has enough fruit to come into balance with 3-4 years of additional cellaring. It will never be a friendly style of Grenache. 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

A firm and focused red, this features a dense mouthful of grain-accented blackberry and blueberry flavors surrounded by sandy tannins. Picks up hints of black olive and spice as the finish lingers. Drink now through 2019. 583 cases made, 250 cases imported.??–HS??Region: Australia / Clarendon Select to Add

Blewitt + Grenache + 2007 = something magical, to judge from the two offerings tasted for this report. Clarendon Hills’s bottling is dense and powerful yet doesn’t lose its way. Potent plum pudding and spice cake notes offer plenty of complexity and richness, without excessive weight. Long and slightly warming on the finish. Drink now–2017. ——J.C.(10/1/2010)—— 93