Winemaker Notes
The grapes for Astralis were selected from low-yielding, dry-grown, pre-phylloxera vines planted in 1920. Planted in loamy, clay soils, we handpicked the grapes over several passes to ensure optimal ripeness of the fruit. We used some whole berries in fermentation, which occurred in open-top tanks using wild yeast strains and varied maceration periods. All pressings returned to the barrel for 18 months of aging in 100 percent new, tight-grained French oak barrels. The wine was not fined or filtered prior to bottling.
It is a deep black-purple crimson color that alludes to its aromas of boysenberry, forest floor and Asian spice and flavors ripe blackberry.
Critical Acclaim
All Vintages
Known for opulent red wines with intense power and concentration, McLaren Vale is home to perhaps the most “classic” style of Australian Shiraz. Vinified on its own or in Rhône Blends, these hot-climate wines are deeply colored and high in extract with signature hints of dark chocolate and licorice. Cabernet Sauvignon is also produced in a similar style.
Whites, often made from Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc tend to be opulent and full of tropical, stone and citrus fruit.
Marked by an unmistakable deep purple hue and savory aromatics, Syrah makes an intense, powerful and often age-worthy red. Native to the Northern Rhône, Syrah achieves its maximum potential in the steep village of Hermitage and plays an important component in the Red Rhône Blends of the south, adding color and structure to Grenache and Mourvèdre. Syrah is the most widely planted grape of Australia and is important in California and Washington. Sommelier Secret—Such a synergy these three create together, the Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre trio often takes on the shorthand term, “GSM.”