The Astralis Syrah vineyard has been captured by legendary winemaker Roman Bratasiuk over the last 30 years and this is one of the very best releases. Roman has pushed his belief that this is one of the greatest single vineyards in the world to the nth degree. This is an old vine, single vineyard discovered by Roman Bratasiuk in 1990 that has become consistently the highest-scoring wine in McLaren Vale. Hand-picked and wild yeast fermented the wine is matured in the highest quality French Oak for 18 months before being bottled at the winery by the very same team that made it. Majesty, elegance, and seamless power are some of the most enduring comments on the Astralis, whose name comes from a reference to the night sky. Astralis is defined as a celestial body pertaining to the stars. Prestigious Australian wine company Langtons ranks Astralis amongst its highest echelon, the ‘Exceptional’ category alongside the iconic Grange and Hill of Grace wines.
From a great vintage, this has aromas of violets and blueberries with cocoa powder and an array of fragrant spices that offer so much interest already. There’s an earthy edge, as well as forest wood and blackberries. More to come. The powerfully defined tannins are commanding and composed and carry ripe blackberries and dark plums very long. The wine feels so complete already. Very drinkable now and for many years ahead. Try from 2026.