Ranked #6 of 94 2008 Shiraz from McLaren Vale
94/100
4.5 Stars
Huon Hooke
Deep red/purple. Very good colour. Rich and smoky-oaky aroma, some animal-fat, floral with a hint of violets and lush, almost elegant sweet-fruited flavour which is both fresh and primary without being simple or fruit-bomby. Liberal licorice/aniseed and hints of fruitcake and espresso coffee. Generous, ample flavour and structure, this really sings. Should age well, too.
Tasted: 20/12/2011
Drink: 2014 to 2035
99 Points Robert Parker
Picked before the heat and weighing in at a reasonable 14.5% alcohol, the 2008 Astralis Syrah (tasted from magnum) is singing. Showing no bricking at the rim, scents of cracked pepper, mint, bay leaf, thyme, lavender and blueberries pour out of the glass, adding meaty notes and hints of espresso and black olive with air. Full-bodied, creamy-textured and supple on the long finish, this wine shouldn't be missed. If you've got one, open it and see for yourself.
Source: Robert Parker (Robert Parker Wine Advocate) by Joe Czerwinski. September, 2018
97 Points Robert Parker
Also deep garnet-purple in color, the 2008 Astralis is a little reduced and brooding on the nose showing aromas of dark berries, meat, licorice and dark chocolate. Big, full-bodied and rich in the mouth it has balanced acid along with medium-firm grainy tannins. It finishes long and balanced. Drink it now to 2028+.
Source: Robert Parker (Robert Parker Wine Advocate) by Lisa Perrotti-Brown. February, 2014