2003 Clarendon Hills Astralis Syrah Magnum (1500ml)

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 (2034-2054)
Alc/Vol: 14.8%
Rating: 100/100