Clarendon Hills is one of Australia’s most prestigious boutique wineries, founded by Roman Bratasiuk in 1990. Located in the McLaren Vale region of South Australia, the estate focuses on producing single-vineyard, terroir-driven wines with minimal intervention. The ‘Astralis’ Syrah is the crown jewel of Clarendon Hills, sourced from old vines planted in 1920 on steep, east-facing slopes. This Syrah consistently ranks among Australia’s top wines, known for its extraordinary concentration, complexity, and ability to age for decades.

The 2020 vintage saw ideal conditions, with warm days and cool nights, allowing for balanced ripening. The low-yielding old vines produced small, intensely flavoured berries, resulting in a wine of great power and precision. ‘Astralis’ is vinified using traditional methods, with no fining or filtration, and is aged in a combination of new and seasoned French oak to add structure and complexity without overshadowing the fruit.

Appearance: Deep, almost opaque purple-black, with vibrant garnet highlights at the rim, signalling its concentration and age-worthiness.

Aroma: An intensely aromatic nose of blackberry, blueberry, and black cherry, alongside floral notes of violet and lavender. There are underlying elements of black olive, smoked meat, and anise, with hints of dark chocolate, vanilla, and peppery spice from the oak.

Taste: Full-bodied and powerful, with rich flavours of ripe black fruits—blackberry, plum, and blackcurrant—layered with savoury notes of black olive, smoked herbs, and cured meat. The wine shows great concentration and depth, balanced by fresh acidity. The tannins are firm yet refined, providing structure and ageability. A seamless integration of oak adds hints of vanilla, mocha, and spice, enhancing the wine’s complexity without overwhelming the fruit.

Finish: Incredibly long and persistent, with lingering notes of black fruits, smoky herbs, and a touch of black pepper. The finish is marked by fine-grained tannins and a mineral undertone, offering both power and elegance, and promising decades of aging potential.

Food Pairing: This bold and complex Syrah pairs beautifully with slow-braised lamb shanks or chargrilled ribeye steak, where the wine’s depth and structure can stand up to the rich, savoury flavours. It would also be a perfect match for venison stew with root vegetables, enhancing the gamey richness of the meat while complementing the earthy notes of the dish.