2015 Clarendon Hills ‘Astralis’ Syrah
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ProducerClarendon Hills
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Vintage2015
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Grape VarietyShiraz
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RegionAustralia
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Sub RegionMcLaren Vale
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SizeBottle
Clarendon Hills Astralis Syrah holds its place at the front of the contemporary ultra-fine wine movement. Combining an outstanding vineyard, meticulous winemaking and personal expression, the resulting wine is extraordinary.
Winemaker and former biochemist Roman Bratasiuk was inspired by the classic South Australian wines of the 1950s and 1960s, particularly those of Penfolds. Since purchasing the old Elysium winery at Blewitt Springs in McLaren Vale, he has pioneered the path for contemporary winemakers.
The fruit is derived from 19th-century colonial vine stock originally planted in the 1920s, sourced from Chateau Reynella. The low‑yielding, dry-grown, pre-phylloxera vines are grown in loamy, clay soils. The four-hectare Astralis Vineyard is elevated on a 45-degree slope and faces due east. Once trellised, the vines are now farmed as they grow.
100 Points Robert Parker Wine Advocate
The fitting capstone to what was a terrific vintage for Clarendon Hills, the 2015 Astralis Syrah is destined to become a McLaren Vale legend. Remarkably precise, complex and pristine aromas of anise, pepper, mint and blueberries lead the way. They’re followed by a full-bodied yet impeccably ripe palate that’s dense and concentrated yet supple, leading into a velvety, nearly endless finish. Wow. Drink 2022-2040