Medium garnet-purple colored, the 2011 Kangarilla Grenache gives a nose of cherry coulis, red plums and red currant jelly with nuances of orange peel and dried oregano. Medium to full-bodied, the palate reveals great expression, with layers of warm red berry flavors accented by peppers and herbs supported by medium-level grainy tannins and balanced acid, finishing very long. Drink it now to 2025+. (Not yet released) At the time of tasting, these 2011 single vineyard wines from Clarendon Hills have not yet been released. Importer: Wine Brokers Unlimited, Hayward, CA

Medium garnet colored, the 2010 Kangarilla Grenache shows aromas of red plums and crushed mulberries with underlying Mediterranean herb, tree bark and pepper hints. Full-bodied with earthy and relatively restrained flavors in the mouth, it is marked by a medium to firm level of chewy tannins and balanced acid before finishing long and a little warm. Approachable now, it should cellar to 2019+. Importer: Wine Brokers Unlimited, Hayward, CA

The 2009 Kangarilla Grenache has a deep garnet-purple color and expressive aromas of black raspberries and mulberries with hints of mace, cassia, mocha and a whiff of prunes. Full bodied and generously fruited, it has a solid backbone of very high acid, medium-firm chewy tannins and a long spicy finish. Drinking now, it should cellar to 2019+. Importer: Wine Brokers Unlimited, Hayward, CA

Medium garnet-purple colored, the 2008 Kangarilla Vineyard Grenache offers a pronounced perfume of violets, chocolate covered cherries, black raspberries and fennel seed plus an earthy, forest floor and damp humus character. Opulent and full on the palate, it has a medium to high level of velvety tannins, high acidity and a long slightly warm finish. Approachable now it should cellar to 2015. Importer: Wine Brokers Unlimited, Hayward, CA

The 2007 Grenache Kangarilla has excellent floral notes in its perfume and plenty of density on the palate but this structured effort will also require several years of cellaring. 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