Clarendon Hills Astralis Syrah 2007

Wineadvocate

Clarendon Hills’ flagship is the 2007 Syrah Astralis. It is an exemplar of what old vines and a great terroir can achieve in a less than great vintage. Aromas of pain grille, pencil lead, tar, underbrush, meat, licorice, and blackberry lead to a burly, masculine version of Astralis. It has tremendous grip, plenty of fine-grained tannin, layers of savory fruit, and 10-12 years of aging potential. Patience will be required.

Vinous

(100% new French oak) Glass-staining purple. Smoky, mineral-laced boysenberry and blueberry on the nose, with sexy oak spice and floral qualities coming up with air. Rich, fleshy and smooth, offering sappy dark fruit flavors and a wild array of floral and spice accents. For a rich wine this possesses uncanny balance. The endless, spice-accented finish features firm but harmonious tannins and leaves sweet vanilla, cola and dark berry liqueur notes behind. I'd stash this away for at least another five or six years. These vines were planted in 1920. - JR 07/2010

Suckling

From a dry, warm season, classified as a drought year. This is savory with dry, earthy notes, as well as dry spices and mushrooms. Black olives, graphite and dried plums, too. The palate has a sinewy feel with fine tannins peaking through sweet dried-plum fruit flavors. Mellowing. Drink now.- JS 12/2021