Clarendon Hills Liandra Mourvedre, McLaren Vale

Clarendon Hills remains a beacon of site-specific winemaking in McLaren Vale. Roman Bratasiuk founded the estate with a vision to rival the greatest growths of France by focusing on old-vine material and minimal intervention. The Liandra vineyard provides the fruit for this bottling, sourced from vines planted in sandy soils that yield grapes with remarkable structural precision and depth.

The winemaking process prioritises purity and patience. Grapes undergo natural yeast fermentation before maturing in French oak barriques. Bratasiuk avoids fining or filtration to preserve the Mourvèdre's natural weight and texture. This disciplined approach ensures that the wine reflects the raw character of the Liandra site rather than the influence of cellar technology or excessive new wood.

You will find a profile defined by blue fruits, dried herbs, and cracked black pepper. The palate delivers plum and mulberry flavours supported by firm, savoury tannins. There is an earthy quality here that grounds the fruit, resulting in a dry, persistent finish. It is a robust, honest expression of McLaren Vale that rewards those who appreciate structure and varietal integrity.