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2003 Clarendon Hills Astralis Syrah

Clarendon, South Australia, AUSTRALIA
$599. 00
Bottle
$7188.00 Dozen
Cellar: 30 - 50 Years (2034-2054)
ABV: 14.8%
Closure: Cork

A monument of a wine, which has not been made for elderly drinkers. This is a drink for future generations – the sort of wine that might be served up to commemorate your great judgment as a wine collector by your grand children. Matured in 100% new Burgundian Nevers oak. The 2003 Astralis is the tightest of the recent vintages and a perfect expression of the long slow low yielding ripening year. The Burgundian oak staves have been air dried for 3 years and fired over a relatively cool flame, avoiding any charry contribution to the flavour profile.
Totally black purple colour – a complete saturate. Magnificent nose of anise, violets, blackberry and spice. A wine with the tannin structure of the Piggott Range yet with the palate voluptuousness of the Hickinbotham. Explosive, mouth filling concentrate of black pepper, blackberry and white pepper. Fine firm tannins which are highly bound with the fruit. Again a triumph for Clarendon Hills and a definitive expression of Romans ability and obsession with winemaking, more than justifying Robert Parker’s lavish praises.
Cellar 30-50 years.
Alc/Vol: 14.8%

Other Reviews....
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.
99 points
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate #161 (Oct 2005)