Clarendon Hills ‘Astralis’ Syrah 2013

The Astralis Syrah from Clarendon Hills continues to lead the way in the modern ultra-fine wine industry. The wine is exceptional because it combines a superb vineyard, excellent winemaking, and individual expression. Roman Bratasiuk, a winemaker and former biochemist, was inspired by Penfolds' vintage South Australian wines from the 1950s and 1960s. He paved the way for modern winemakers after buying the former Elysium winery in Blewitt Springs in McLaren Vale. The fruit comes from 1920s-planted colonial vine stock from Chateau Reynella, dating back to the 19th century. The loamy, clay soils are used to grow the low-yielding, dry-grown, pre-phylloxera vines. The due east-facing, four-hectare Astralis Vineyard is located on a 45-degree slope. The vines are currently farmed as they were once trellised.