Astralis 2009

Astralis, a wine of celestial proportions, hails from the heart of Australia, where the ancient soils of Clarendon give rise to a Shiraz of unparalleled depth and character.

Founded by Biochemist Roman Bratasiuk in 1990, this self-taught winemaker has had a marked impact on Australian viticulture. Employing low-yield single vineyards that include old vines of around 80-90 years of age, Bratasiuk’s philosophy is somewhat Burgundian.

Out of his 19 single vineyard wines, Astralis came to the market in 1994 as a rebrand of the previous Clarendon Hills Shiraz. It was instantly hailed a success and continues to be one of the estate’s most successful wines.

The grapes are all hand-harvested before undergoing fermentation in open-top fermenters, allowing for optimal extraction of flavours and tannins. The wine then matures in new French oak barrels for an extended period, often exceeding 18 months. This oak aging imparts structure, elegance, and a seamless integration of flavour.

In the glass, Astralis unveils a profound inky hue, captivating with aromas of dark berries, black cherries, and subtle hints of spice and eucalyptus. Its velvety tannins bend through flavours of blackcurrant, plums and dark chocolate.

With an ABV of 14.5%, Astralis represents the bold, full-bodied and intense Shiraz of which Australia is often famed.