Clarendon Hills, Astralis Vyd., Syrah, Clarendon 2002 (Australia)

Deep purple/red.

Fresh, lifted white and black pepper, deep blackberry/raspberry coulis, earth and a seamless oak contribution. For some reason, I am reminded of a Thackrey Orion. Killer nose. Hints of game, black olive and dried fig with air.

Utterly round and completely mouth-enveloping, with a saline character. Expresses both pepper colors in the mouth too, as well as a eucalyptus note (Thackrey connection) and toasted nuts. Fruit definitely in the background, as relatively strong, but fine, acid/tannin synergy clamps down in the finish. Then both peppers and black raspberry coulis flavors come back in force on an extremely long finish.

Completely different in character, but on the same level as the Blue-Slide Pinot from Marcassin. All kinds of shit coming out of the woodwork as the wine airs. Just absolutely stupid.

Day 2 - Now much less vivid on the nose, more saucy. The deep pool of black raspberry fruit more jam-like in character, and the overall impression much more South Australian in nature. Really packed in the mouth, but, again, less sign of the pepper action from yesterday. Huge volume, less nuance. But, just like yesterday, when you think this thing is done, it kicks in again with cracked black pepper. Crazy. This thing has nine lives.


$200, 14.5% alcohol listed (and I'd guess pretty accurate, no heat).