Clarendon Hills

Clarendon Hills

Established: 1990
Location: Clarendon, McLaren Vale, South Australia
Founder: Roman Bratasiuk
Flagship Wine: Astralis Syrah
Website: https://clarendonhills.com.au/

Founding Vision and Pioneer Spirit

Clarendon Hills was established in 1990 by Roman Bratasiuk, a Ukrainian immigrant with an extraordinary vision that would revolutionise Australian winemaking. Trained as a biochemist rather than a traditional winemaker, Roman taught himself the art of wine production and embarked on a journey that introduced the single-vineyard concept to Australian wine, forever changing the landscape of the industry.

Roman's Background:

• Scientific training: Biochemist background bringing analytical approach
• Self-taught winemaker: Developed skills through observation and experimentation
• Immigrant perspective: Fresh eyes on Australian wine possibilities
• Passionate conviction: Unwavering belief in McLaren Vale's potential
• French wine inspiration: Deep appreciation for Burgundian single-vineyard philosophy

Revolutionary Single-Vineyard Concept

In 1990, when most Australian wineries focused on regional blends, Roman's decision to produce exclusively single-vineyard wines was considered radical:

Innovation Impact:

• First in Australia: Pioneered single-vineyard bottling in 1990
• Terroir focus: Emphasised site-specific character over regional blending
• Quality revolution: Demonstrated that Australian sites could rival world's best
• Industry influence: Inspired other producers to explore single-vineyard approaches
• International recognition: Put Australian terroir on global wine map

The Astralis Legend

The flagship Astralis Syrah has become one of Australia's most celebrated wines:

Astralis Vineyard:

• Premier Grand Cru status: Classified as Clarendon Hills' highest tier
• 1920 planting: Ancient vines providing exceptional fruit concentration
• Extreme site: 45-degree ascending slope facing due east
• Unique geology: Topsoil of pebble-ridden clay over pure ironstone subsoil
• Astronomical name: "Pertaining to the stars" reflecting celestial quality

Wine Recognition:

• 98 points Robert Parker: 2001 vintage received near-perfect score
• Langtons Classification: Ranked in 'Exceptional' category with Grange and Hill of Grace
• Cult status: Achieved legendary status among collectors
• Investment grade: Recognized as blue-chip wine investment
• Global acclaim: Consistently rated among world's finest Syrah/Shiraz

Terroir Focus: Blewitt Springs and Clarendon

Clarendon Hills concentrates on two exceptional sub-regions within McLaren Vale:

Blewitt Springs:

• Ancient geology: 750-1600 million-year-old geological formations
• Elevation advantage: High altitude providing cooling influences
• Rocky terrain: Gnarly bush vines in challenging growing conditions
• Romas Vineyard: 1920s plantings on terraced eastern-facing slopes
• World-class Grenache: Considered among the best Grenache sites globally

Clarendon Sub-region:

• Cool climate influence: Higher elevation creating temperature moderation
• Diverse geology: Complex soil profiles across different vineyard sites
• Historic plantings: Heritage vine material from early settlement
• Domaine Clarendon: Highest altitude vineyard in McLaren Vale
• Innovative viticulture: Winemaker-designed vineyard unlike any other in Australia

Winemaking Philosophy

Roman's approach combines traditional techniques with scientific precision:

Production Methods:

• Hand-picking: Careful selection ensuring only perfect fruit
• Open fermentation: Traditional techniques for optimal extraction
• Natural yeasts: Indigenous fermentation for authentic terroir expression
• Minimal intervention: Allowing site character to express naturally
• Extended aging: 18+ months in oak for proper development
• No filtration or fining: Preserving wine integrity and character

Quality Standards:

• Low yields: Dry-grown vines producing concentrated fruit
• Rigorous selection: Only best vineyard blocks make single-vineyard wines
• Vintage sensitivity: Adapting techniques to suit each year's conditions
• Patience: Releasing wines only when ready for consumption
• Consistency: Maintaining style and quality across different years

Wine Portfolio Excellence

Clarendon Hills produces an impressive range of single-vineyard wines:

Syrah/Shiraz Range:

• Astralis: The flagship wine setting Australian quality standards
• Moritz: Single-vineyard expression from historic site
• Domaine Clarendon: Highest altitude vineyard in McLaren Vale
• Piggott Range: Cool climate Syrah showing elegance and finesse
• Brookman: Traditional site expression

Grenache Portfolio:

• Romas: World-class Grenache from 1920s bush vines
• Clarendon Vineyard: Estate-grown Grenache showing site character
• Old Vine expressions: Celebrating heritage vine material
• Various sites: Showcasing terroir diversity across different locations

Cabernet Sauvignon:

• Hickinbotham: Premium single-vineyard Cabernet
• Brookman: Traditional site showing regional character
• Limited releases: Special bottlings from exceptional years

Awards and International Recognition

Clarendon Hills has achieved unprecedented recognition:

Industry Accolades:

• Robert Parker Wine Producer of the Year 1996: First Australian to receive this honour
• Wine Enthusiast New World Winery of the Year 2006: International recognition
• James Suckling 2025 McLaren Vale Regional Report: Topped ranking of 162 entries
• Consistent 95+ scores: Regular high ratings from international critics
• Export success: Wines sought after in premium international markets

Scientific Approach to Viticulture

Roman's biochemistry background influences vineyard management:

Research-Based Decisions:

• Soil analysis: Deep understanding of geological influences on wine
• Clonal selection: Choosing best vine material for each site
• Canopy management: Optimizing sun exposure and fruit development
• Harvest timing: Precise decisions based on grape chemistry analysis
• Fermentation monitoring: Scientific approach to wine production

Domaine Clarendon Innovation

The Domaine Clarendon project represents unique viticultural innovation:

Revolutionary Design:

• Winemaker-designed vineyard: Unlike anything previously attempted in Australia
• Highest altitude: Coolest site in McLaren Vale
• Single-stake trellising: European-style training system
• Extreme precision: Every vine placed for optimal terroir expression
• Climate adaptation: Designed for changing environmental conditions

Family Legacy and Future

The business now includes next-generation involvement:

Generational Transition:

• Adam Bratasiuk: Son joining winemaking operations
• Alex Bratasiuk: Son managing future business direction
• Knowledge transfer: Passing three decades of terroir understanding
• Innovation continuation: Maintaining pioneering spirit while respecting tradition
• Long-term vision: Planning for continued excellence across generations

Collector and Investment Appeal

Clarendon Hills wines are highly sought after by collectors:

Investment Characteristics:

• Proven aging potential: Wines developing beautifully over decades
• Limited production: Scarcity driving collector demand
• Consistent quality: Reliable reputation for excellence
• International recognition: Global awareness supporting value
• Historic significance: Pioneering role in Australian wine development

Educational Impact

Clarendon Hills has significantly influenced Australian wine education:

Industry Influence:

• Terroir understanding: Teaching importance of site-specific character
• Quality standards: Demonstrating Australian wines' world-class potential
• Winemaking techniques: Sharing knowledge about traditional methods
• Viticultural innovation: Pioneering new approaches to vineyard design
• International credibility: Proving Australian wines belong among world's finest

The story of Clarendon Hills represents one of the most significant developments in modern Australian winemaking, demonstrating how vision, determination, and respect for terroir can create wines that compete with the world's finest while establishing new standards for quality and authenticity in the New World.