1996 Clarendon Hills Astralis Shiraz

Founded in 1989 in Clarendon, South Australia, the winery is owned and run by Roman Bratasiuk, a biochemist and self-taught winemaker. Bratasiuk harvested his first vintage himself and did his own crush. For several years he continued making the wines by hand and holding down a day job before he was able in 1994 to quit his job as a scientist with the Australian government and devote himself fully to his winery. Known for his commitment to the traditions of French winemaking, Bratasiuk makes Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. His most acclaimed wine is Astralis, a Syrah that inevitably wins acclaim. Clarendon Hills includes 200 acres planted to Grenache, Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. The average age of the vines is 75 years for the Grenache and Sauvignon.

South Australia is the nation’s most important wine region. South Australia is to Australia what California is to the U.S. About half of Australia’s wine comes from South Australia and many of the country’s most acclaimed producers are there. Wineries based in South Australia include Penfolds Grange, Torbreck, Amon Ra, Henschke and Jacob’s Creek. The prestigious Barossa Valley is located in South Australia, and is often compared to Napa Valley because it is gorgeous topography covered in grape vines. First farmed by 19th century German-speakers who immigrated from what is now Poland, the Barossa Valley is the crown jewel of the region. South Australia has widely varying climates, from very hot, dry areas to cooler, high altitude areas. There are more than 150,000 acres of vineyards in South Australia, with more being planted each month. Shiraz is king, though the region also produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Mourvedre, Chardonnay and Semillon.

This grape is grown in milder climates and produces a medium-to full-bodied wine. It is also known as Shiraz, but should not be confused with Petit Sirah, which was developed by crossing Syrah with Peloursin.