1998 Clarendon Hills Syrah Piggott Range Vineyard

Closed, but exceptionally impressive is the 1998 Shiraz Piggott Range Vineyard (900 cases). Exhibiting slightly revealing aromas, with coaxing some mint-tinged blackberry fruit emerges. Extremely powerful, with remarkable purity, intensity, and extraction, this Shiraz needs 2-3 years of cellaring, and should keep for 15-20. ||This immense, super-concentrated, muscular wine appears to mirror the personality and stature of proprietor/winemaker Roman Bratasiuk. Clarendon Hills produces some of my favorite Australian wines, and readers looking for flavor, personality, and pleasure, should seek out this limited production gem. ||Imported by The Australian Premium Wine Collection, John Larchet, USA Wine West, LLC, San Rafael, CA; phone: (800)-485-5753 and Chicago Brands, Chicago, IL; tel. (312) 466-9300.||(No tasting note was provided in the 2002 eRobertParker.com. We have instead included the text of the tasting note from Issue 127) eRobertParker.com.February, 2002

Bright saturated ruby to the rim. Blueberry, blackcurrant, cocoa powder, meat and star anise on the nose, along with a floral lift. Firm, minerally and dense in the mouth, with superb sappy fruit that calls to mind a great '98 Chateauneuf du Pape. Firm acids contribute to the wine's powerful structure. Finishes extremely long and minerally, with very firm tannins and a note of spearmint. Quite different in shape and structure from the Hickinbotham example.