Clarendon Hills has built its reputation on single-vineyard expressions from the cool reaches of McLaren Vale, with Astralis Syrah as the flagship. Planted to low-yielding, dry-grown vines on a steep slope first established in 1920, the Astralis vineyard is managed for maximum site expression and natural concentration.

The 2016 vintage was harvested by hand, then fermented using wild yeasts and traditional open-top fermenters. Maturation took place over 18 months in 100% new French oak barriques, a regime designed to bring both structure and longevity while supporting the depth of fruit the site reliably delivers.

In the glass, Astralis 2016 is deeply coloured and aromatic, offering layers of blackberry, dark cherry, anise, and violet, with lifted notes of black pepper and subtle charcuterie. The palate is dense yet finely textured, showing a seamless interplay of fruit, oak, and powerful but velvety tannins. Long, balanced, and commanding, this is a cellar-worthy Syrah that speaks clearly of place and craftsmanship.