Wines McLaren Vale Clarendon Hills - Astralis - 2008

Viniou Reviews

Clarendon Hills Astralis 2008 from McLaren Vale is an iconic Australian red, recognised for its depth, complexity, and remarkable cellaring potential. This cuvée is produced predominantly from old vine Shiraz, some of which are over 80 years old, lending a depth of flavour and concentration that is a hallmark of the wine. The 2008 vintage benefited from warm, stable weather, allowing grapes to reach perfect ripeness and to express both power and finesse. Hand-picked and sorted, the fruit undergoes meticulous vinification with extended maceration and gentle extraction. The wine is then matured in new French oak for an extended period, giving it structure and elegance. Astralis is renowned for its concentrated aromas of black fruits, liquorice, violets, sweet spices, and smoky undertones, with a palate that is plush, velvety, and impressively long.

McLaren Vale, located south of Adelaide in South Australia, is celebrated for its Mediterranean climate, with warm, dry summers and cooling ocean breezes from the Gulf St Vincent. The relatively mild conditions help preserve acidity in the grapes while ensuring even ripening. Soils in the region are diverse, but for Astralis, the focus is on ancient, low-yielding vines rooted in rocky clay and ironstone soils, which contribute structure and minerality. The region boasts a long history of viticulture dating back to the early 19th century and is famed for its expressive Shiraz, making it a natural home for this exceptional cuvée.

For food pairings, the wine’s intense structure and aromatic complexity are perfect with robust dishes such as slow-cooked lamb shoulder, venison with blackberry reduction, or matured beef steak. Richly flavoured regional Australian fare, like kangaroo fillet or a hearty meat pie, would also complement its power and spiciness. For vegetarians, consider roasted mushrooms or lentil and root vegetable cassoulets.

When serving Clarendon Hills Astralis 2008, it is best enjoyed at 16-18°C after at least an hour of decanting to allow the flavours and bouquet to fully develop. This wine has excellent ageing potential, so it can continue to evolve beautifully in your cellar for many more years.