Clarendon Hills Astralis Syrah 2017

One of Australia's most celebrated and collectible Syrahs, Clarendon Hills Astralis is a remarkable expression of old-vine fruit, combining extraordinary concentration and power with elegance and refinement. Produced by Roman Bratasiuk from the historic Astralis vineyard, planted in 1920, this is a wine of exceptional depth, complexity and longevity.

The 2017 Astralis opens with an intense bouquet of blackberries, dark plums and blueberries, complemented by fragrant notes of liquorice, black pepper, cloves and exotic spices. The palate is richly concentrated and beautifully layered, with dark chocolate, mocha and savoury earthy characters adding complexity to the generous dark fruits. Fine, velvety tannins provide impressive structure, leading to an exceptionally long, seamless finish with lingering spice, dark fruits and beautifully integrated oak.

A magnificent McLaren Vale Syrah with the richness and intensity expected of Astralis, yet remarkable freshness, balance and finesse.

Winemaking

Sourced from the historic, dry-grown Astralis vineyard, where low-yielding Syrah vines grow on an elevated, east-facing slope with clay and ironstone soils. Hand-harvested fruit undergoes wild yeast fermentation with extended skin contact, followed by approximately 18 months maturation in French oak. The wine is bottled without fining or filtration, preserving its natural character and complexity. 

Food Match

Slow-roasted lamb shoulder with rosemary and garlic; chargrilled rib-eye steak with wild mushroom sauce; venison with a red wine reduction; or richly flavoured slow-braised beef dishes.

Region: McLaren Vale, South Australia

Awards & Reviews

97 points — Robert Parker's Wine Advocate