The Clarendon Hills Domaine Clarendon Syrah 2021 is a compelling introduction to one of McLaren Vale’s most revered high-altitude terroirs, sourced from the cool, elevated Clarendon sub-region, located around 15 kilometres north-east of McLaren Vale at approximately 350 metres above sea level. This remarkable site sits on ancient geology formed some 750 million years ago, with soils composed of decomposed ironstone, quartz, shale and schist, delivering a distinctive mineral edge and natural structure that defines the Clarendon Hills style.

Following three consecutive warm, dry vintages, the 2021 season offered welcome balance. Early-season rainfall replenished the vineyards and lifted yields, while cooler conditions through December avoided extreme heat, allowing the fruit to ripen slowly and evenly. The result is a Syrah of elegance and generosity, where depth of flavour is matched by precision and finesse rather than sheer weight.

Low-yielding, dry-grown vines were hand-picked and fermented using wild yeasts, with approximately 60% whole berries retained to build aromatic complexity and textural finesse. All pressings were returned to barrel, and the wine was matured for 18 months in a hierarchy of tightly grained French oak ranging from one to five years old. Bottled onsite without fining or filtration, the wine retains its natural energy, structure and sense of place.

In the glass, the palate unfolds with layered blueberry and plum fruit, wrapped around signature Clarendon characters of graphite, iodine, roast meat, black olive, dark chocolate and black cardamom. The texture is silken and composed, with mineral tension and savoury complexity guiding the wine through a long, focused finish that speaks clearly of its elevated origins. Despite its youthful intensity, the wine is already beautifully balanced, offering immediate appeal while promising further development with time in the cellar.

This Syrah pairs superbly with slow-roasted lamb, chargrilled rib-eye, game meats, or mushroom-driven dishes where savoury depth and umami are key, allowing the wine’s mineral backbone and dark fruit to shine. A refined yet powerful expression, the Clarendon Hills Domaine Clarendon Syrah 2021 invites you to taste the rocks and listen to their ancient story, delivering a true sense of Clarendon pedigree.

Awarded 94 points by Marcus Ellis in the Halliday Wine Companion, with the previous vintage earning 95 points from Erin Larkin in The Wine Advocate, and produced by a 5 Red Star Halliday-rated winery, Clarendon Hills continues to stand at the pinnacle of McLaren Vale, recently topping all McLaren Vale producers in James Suckling’s 2025 report.