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Favorite of the flight (probably due to knowing it's price and reputation which sucked. definitely liked the nose the best but would have preferred to taste this completely blind). awesome nose of ripe dark fruits, chocolate and completely integrated oak. Full bodied with a silky, almost elegant mouth feel. Excellent finish. Definitely not a blockbuster but awesome balance.
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Robert Parker
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More reviews and scores
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. Importer: Commonwealth Wine & Spirits Inc., Mansfield, MA; tel. (508) 328-6764
Opaque ruby with a violet rim. Full-throttle, liqueur-like aromas of raspberry, black cherry, blueberry, mocha, coffee, violet, licorice pastille and exotic Asian spices. Dense and thick yet fresh, exuberant and high-toned in flavor, showing every imaginable berry note and an impressively deep, velvety texture. Finishes bright, pure, fresh and very long, with fully buffered tannins and exotic, sexy oak spices lingering.
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. Wine Advocate.October, 2005
About the producer
Based in the McLaren Vale, Clarendon Hills has been one of the pioneering names in Australian wine. Focusing on single-site expressions of individual grapes, working with old dry-farmed vineyards, it has become one of the world’s leading producers, best known for its iconic Astralis Shiraz.