Clarendon Hills, 25 miles south of Adelaide, was established in 1989 by Roman Bratasiuk, the owner/winemaker. Since its establishment just over a decade ago Clarendon Hills has had amazing success. The soils here are mainly clay, ironstone and gravel facing due east and fairly steep. The vineyard usually ripens early due to the low yields and extensive root systems of these old vines. Clarendon Hills has received excellent reviews from both critics and publications alike. From The Wine Advocate to the Wine Companion and Wine Spectator, to being named as one of Robert Parker's 'Wine Producers of the Year' in his newsletter Issue 108 - Clarendon Hills continues to impress. In August 2003, Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) names Clarendon Hills as one of Australia and the world's greatest wineries.

The Winemaker
“Roman Bratasiuk is one of Planet Earth's greatest winemakers and obviously a top-notch viticulturist given his obsession with sourcing extraordinary fruit from ancient McLaren Vale vineyards.  If Penfolds Grange has been the most legendary wine in Australia, my instincts suggest that in the future, if any winery surpasses Grange, it will be made by Roman Bratasiuk of Clarendon Hills in McLaren Vale.  In the case of his luxury cuvées of Shiraz, particularly his world-class Astralis, ten years of cellaring is essential.  I have been a very enthusiastic supporter of his wines since I first tasted the 1994s and have bought them in every vintage since. This is undoubtedly the world's greatest winery that has yet to catch on with the consuming public."

The Wine
Astralis Vineyard Shiraz is the flagship wine in the Clarendon Hills range. Planted in the early 1930's on the due east facing slopes on clay, ironstone soil it is one of the earliest blocks to ripen every year due to the old age of the vines and the low crops of about two tonnes to the acre. The grapes are fermented in the open stainless steel tanks up to 32°C to extract the colour and tannin for long aging up to 30 years. The first vintage was 1994 and the average production is 600 dozen. Astralis usually exhibits great purple-black colour and a very exotic bouquet of black berry and mocha. The palate is extremely long on the finish and the tannins are ripe and integrated - overall a most magical wine.

Clarendon Hills Astralis 2004
Robert Parker Jr.
One of Australia’s most prodigious Syrahs, Clarendon Hills’ 2004 Syrah Astralis is fashioned from vines planted in 1930, and spends time in 100% new French oak from the cooper, Cadus. It boasts off the charts intensity as well as an opaque purple color, and notes of spring flowers, blueberries, blackberries, roasted coffee beans, pepper, smoke, and a hint of sweet toasty oak. This full-bodied, rich, intense, backward Syrah needs 2-3+ hours in the decanter if one is going to approach it at this point in its life. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2040+.

Ratings 98
Jeremy Oliver
About as perfect as the more pronounced expression of Australian shiraz can be, this is a remarkable wine of seamless length, strength and harmony. Steeped in briary aromas of cassis, dark plums, berries and cherries, its meaty bouquet also reveals oak-derived suggestions of dark chocolate, mocha and smoked oyster. Incredibly concentrated, its sumptuous palate of dark plum and berry flavours soaks up some fairly assertive new oak with ease, leaving a substantial and seamless expression of sour-edged fruit framed by mouth-coating tannins and finishing with spicy nuances of licorice, cloves and cinnamon. Manages to retain aspects of elegance despite its power and structure.

Ratings 19.4/97
Wine Spectator, Oct 2006
Deep, dense and brooding. A smoky, thick Shiraz that feels open and welcoming as the finish expands and persists. Cherry, chocolate and espresso notes mingle harmoniously and hint at loamy earth as the finish sails on and on. Best from 2010 through 2020.

Ratings 97
Clarendon Hills Astralis 2005
Robert Parker Jr.
A great classic, the inky/purple-colored 2005 Syrah Astralis is a 40-50 year effort. Although closed, it displays gorgeous but subtle notes of smoked meats, black currants, graphite, new saddle leather, truffles, and blackberries. Remarkably elegant for a wine of such power and intensity, this complex, rich, full-bodied, backward Syrah has totally absorbed its aging in 100% French oak, and appears set for a long life. If you plan on drinking it over the next 4-5 years, it will need 24 hours of decanting. It should be at its finest between 2012-2035.

Ratings 98-100
Clarendon Hills Astralis 2006
Wine Advocate # 173 Oct 2007, Jay Miller

The 2006 Syrah Astralis Vineyard is more reticent than its peers. It reveals a splendid nose of toasty oak, crushed rock, Asian spices, violets, blackberry, and blueberry compote. It is tightly wound but impeccably balanced. Full-bodied, opulent, and intense, it will evolve for a minimum of a decade and provide pleasure through 2036. It is an exceptional achievement.

Ratings 96 - 99
Drink 2007 - 2036
Portfolio
12 Bottles each of Clarendon Hills Astralis Vertical Collection (2004, 2005 & 2006) at SGD 450 each.
Total of SGD 16,200 inclusive of shipping, 3 years insurance and storage
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