Clarendon Hills Astralis Syrah 2010

Region

Blewitt Springs, McLaren Vale: 10 kms N/E of McLaren Vale. 250 meters above sea level. High altitude Blewitt Springs site above the sands. Terroir composed of sandy loam on alluvial clay pebbled with decomposed ironstone, quartz, shale and schist. Circa 750-million-year-old geology sprawls across the vineyard location.

Conditions

Idyllic growing conditions with above average crop levels were recorded in 2010 harvest. Bunch thinning was almost looking a certainty to realign the balance of the vines’ concentration however thick vine canopies pulled the fruit in back to line and all fruit was subsequently evenly ripened and every bunch looked exceptional upon arrival at the winery. 2010 vintage is an exceptional vintage and high quality can be seen right across the board with entry level wines and icons alike enjoying one of the best years on record. This magnificent wine is now 12 years old and offers the hedonists out there an experience they won't forget.

Winemaking: Low yielding, dry grown, pre-phylloxera vines planted in 1920 are grown in loamy, clay soils. Hand picking took place over several passes to ensure optimal ripeness of the fruit. Partial whole berry and whole bunch, wild yeast fermentation. Open vat primary with varied maceration periods All pressings returned to the barrel.

Maturation: 18 months. 100% brand new, tight-grained French oak. Barrels are finally hand selected by winemaking team. Bottled onsite without fining or filtration.

Grape Variety: 100% Syrah, single vineyard, old vines

Closure: Cork

Production: 6000 bottles

Winemaker: Roman Bratasiuk