Clarendon Syrah 2021

The 2021 Clarendon Syrah hails from a Clarendon vineyard that the Bekkers have had a long-term relationship with (called Trueman vineyard). The view from virtually every hilltop in Clarendon drags your eyes down the scope of the rest of McLaren Vale and feels very "of the place" and on top of the world. Early morning, when the mist is still settling in the valleys and along the river, is highly recommended. It is gorgeous, in a nutshell.

So, on the nose, this is incredibly aromatic, black like the depth of the night and littered with a splay of characters: potpourri, lavender, rose petals, graphite, coal dust, blackberry, mulberry, raspberry, licorice, clove and star anise. In the mouth, it is velvety in a granular way—I can really feel and interact with the tannins, without any sense of intrusion or domination. The length of flavor allows for a spooling display of the characters, and they really linger and hold in the mouth once the wine has gone. I can still remember it and taste it now, from my first sip at the beginning of this note. 

This wine is astoundingly good. I really can't say enough in support of the tannins: ductile, lithe, pluming and black. Savory. 800 bottles filled. $900 per three-pack. 14.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.