At a glance

Producer

Clarendon Hills

Region

McLaren Vale, South Australia

Grape variety

Syrah (Shiraz)

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Bone Dry

Typical price

$250–$350 USD

Tasting profile

Dark fruit (blackberry, plum), licorice, violet, espresso, dark chocolate, minerals, smoky oak.

Evolution: Fruit will integrate as tertiary notes of earth, leather, and dried herbs emerge. Tannins will soften, revealing added complexity.

At peak: Supremely balanced, complex, and persistent, with seamless integration of fruit, oak, and savory elements.

Structure

Acidity

Medium to medium-plus

Tannins

High, finely grained

Alcohol

15.0% ABV (typical for this wine/vintage)

Aging potential

Exceptional; 20+ years in ideal conditions.

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2028 to 2036

Optimal window

2024 to 2040

Current status

Can be enjoyed now but will benefit from further aging.

Current condition

Structured, youthful with ripe fruit, integrated oak, and powerful tannins.

Clarendon Hills Astralis is renowned for its dense structure and longevity. The 2017 vintage's robust tannins and deep fruit profile will develop beautifully with time, reaching a graceful plateau by 2028 and retaining prime condition for several more years.

Food pairing

Grilled lamb, dry-aged ribeye, slow-braised beef cheeks, wild mushroom risotto, aged cheddar, or truffle dishes.

Serving

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — The wine has high tannins which can benefit from aeration to soften and enhance its flavors. Additionally, being 8 years old, it may have developed some sediment that can be separated through decanting.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 5/10

Practicing minimal intervention and vineyard expression, but no widely documented focus on energy use, water conservation, or eco-friendly packaging. Conventional farming methods are standard for Clarendon Hills.

Clarendon Hills does not hold formal environmental certifications and lacks public documentation of advanced sustainable practices. While the winery is family operated and committed to quality, their production methods remain largely conventional. The wine's premium status and export orientation mean its carbon footprint is above average. Some positive impact is possible through minimal intervention and old-vine preservation, but overall, sustainability is not a key marketing or operational focus.