Astralis is the crown jewel of Clarendon Hills, a single-vineyard Shiraz that has become a benchmark for Australian fine wine and a symbol of McLaren Vale’s potential to produce world-class reds. First released in the early 1990s by founder Roman Bratasiuk, Astralis quickly gained international acclaim, earning comparisons with the greatest wines of the Rhône and Bordeaux, while forging a style that is unmistakably Australian.
The fruit for Astralis comes from a remarkable vineyard in Blewitt Springs, planted in the 1920s with dry-grown, low-yielding Shiraz vines. These gnarly, century-old vines produce tiny quantities of intensely concentrated berries, giving the wine its trademark density and complexity. The site’s elevated position and sandy soils add freshness and aromatic lift, balancing the natural richness of McLaren Vale Shiraz.
In the glass, Astralis is profound and multi-layered. Aromas of blackberry, plum, and mulberry intertwine with exotic spice, licorice, violets, and hints of dark chocolate and espresso. The palate is powerful yet poised: dense black fruit framed by fine tannins, vibrant acidity, and subtle minerality that drives an exceptionally long finish. Extended ageing in high-quality French oak barriques — often with a significant proportion of new barrels — lends polish and structure without overshadowing the vineyard’s voice.
Astralis is a wine built for longevity. While approachable in its youth after careful decanting, its true greatness emerges with time. Over decades, it evolves into something extraordinary, developing notes of leather, truffle, roasted meats, and savoury spice, while retaining a core of vibrant fruit. Many vintages comfortably age 20–30 years or more, rewarding patient collectors with remarkable complexity.
More than just a Shiraz, Astralis is a statement of intent: a wine that elevated Clarendon Hills to the global stage and redefined what Australian wine could be. Powerful yet elegant, bold yet precise, it remains one of the Southern Hemisphere’s most revered and collectible wines — a modern classic with a truly timeless soul.