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.

The 2008 Astralis Vineyard Syrah is a bit of a triumph given the vintage. Very deep garnet-purple in color, it reveals earthy notes to begin – moss-covered bark and black truffles, damp humus and iodine. At the core it presents aromas of black cherries and creme de cassis plus mocha and anise. The palate is concentrated and powerful yet elegant with firm, very fine grained tannins, very high acidity and ample flesh that is already presenting a multitude of layers. The finish is very long and though there’s some cedar showing, it should marry by the time this wine is ready to drink. This Astralis is very young and primary promising much more to come! Consider drinking it from 2015 to 2025+. Importer: Wine Brokers Unlimited, Hayward, CA