Romas Grenache

Now at the ten year mark, the 2010 ‘Romas’ by Clarendon Hills, is really hitting its stride. Right away the red florals and cigar box tones entice, giving way to layers of pretty red fruits and shades of wintergreen that all march in unison. The palate is plush but also quite vibrant, with a great veil of tension. Ripe red currants and blood orange zest tones mingle with creosote and bing cherry cordial on the palate. The freshness and viscosity is seriously good here, as is the silky texture. Performing marvelously at the ten year mark, the 2010 ‘Romas’ has another decade of life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2030- 93

Drinking awesome. Starting to show some secondary aromas and flavors but still full throttle. Silky and suave but with the wild character I love about Clarendon hills. Very Rhône like

The 2010 ‘Romas’ is a dazzling effort at now nine years of age. Tannic and strangely backwards upon opening, this Grenache considerably benefits from a one hour decant. Once awoken, the wine shows a gorgeous array of aromatics from ripe rose petals to potpourri and exotic spices that meld with the deep red currants and red cherry compote that take shape in the glass. The soft, silky texture entices, as does the bright sense of minerality. Unveiling its plush mouthfeel, the ‘Romas’ plays with suggestions of kirsch cordial and boysenberry jam with minerals, orange zest and lovely earthy undertones. Complex and delightful at this stage, the 2010 ‘Romas’ will have at least another decade left in the cellar. Drink 2019-2033- 93

Cherry, plum, pomegranate, red currant, violets and lavender.

Cherry pie. In a good way.

Giant raspberry bomb. Never tasted that big of a raspberry in a wine. Different. Stunning.

Baked fruit, dried floral, vanilla, light toastiness, spice. Balanced and complex. Building tannins on the finish.

Not sure why others haven't rated this one a little higher. My only guess is that they didn't allow for ample time for this one to open up. I enjoyed this bottle last night and noted that with each hour after the initial two hours I allowed it to breath, it only got better. At first, I found it to be quite "tight". But after a few hours, the flavor profile fully developed and it calmed down enough that it was very much delightful. Garnet in color with a medium plus viscosity, I very much enjoyed the layers this wine presented after some time in my glass.

Blueberry tart, mocha and eucalyptus with a solid

%100 Grenache from vines planted in 1920. Raspberry Coulis backed by nice structure seldom found in Grenache. It may be the best new world expression of the grape I've had to date.