Lot 184
CLARENDON HILLS ASTRALIS SHIRAZ 1999 (1) 95 WS
CLARENDON HILLS ASTRALIS SHIRAZ 2003 (1) 95 WS 99 WA
CLARENDON HILLS ASTRALIS SHIRAZ 2005 (1) 96 WS 99 WA
Lot 184 Details
CLARENDON HILLS ASTRALIS SHIRAZ 1999 (1)McLaren Vale.
95 WS
CLARENDON HILLS ASTRALIS SHIRAZ 2003 (1)
McLaren Vale.
It’s hard to believe the 2003 Syrah Astralis Vineyard could be better, but it offers riveting richness, intensity, purity, and equilibrium. Structurally, it is similar to the Piggott Range, revealing abundant amounts of sweet, ripe tannin, and huge extract, richness, and depth. Meant for true connoisseurs who are willing to forget it for 5-8 years, it represents what Roman Bratasiuk and Clarendon Hills do so well ... show respect for the great traditions of France, but recognize the extraordinary raw materials that emerge from old vines planted in McLaren Vale. This fabulous wine offers both power and elegance, and showcases the extraordinary talent of Roman Bratasiuk. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2030. 95 WS 99 WA
CLARENDON HILLS ASTRALIS SHIRAZ 2005 (1)
McLaren Vale.
At the top of the pyramid is the 2005 Syrah Astralis Vineyard. It is sourced from a vineyard planted in 1920 and is one of the Syrah cuvees in which 100% new oak is utilized (along with Brookman, Hickinbotham, and Piggott Range). It delivers an ethereal bouquet of smoky oak, violets, espresso, black pepper, blueberry, and blackberry liqueur. Densely packed and tightly wound, all it needs is time. The wine is totally harmonious, impeccably balanced, and exceptionally long. When it fully unwinds, even my high rating will appear conservative. Its only competition comes from the likes of Guigal, Chapoutier, Chave, Krankl, and Ringland. 96 WS 99 WA
3 bts. per lot $600 - $900