Clarendon Hills, Astralis Shiraz Vintage:2006 The 1996 Branaire-Ducru is a

The 1996 Branaire-Ducru is a delightful vintage and represents the pinnacle of that decade

framed by a deft touch of nicely integrated new oak

sage and mushrooms on the loose-knit nose

juicy tannins

plush and hauntingly beautiful wine with tremendous power

Clarendon Hills, Astralis Shiraz Vintage:2006 The 1996 Branaire-Ducru is aThe 2001 Syrah Astralis Vineyard may be just as compelling as the 2002. Tighter because of being in the bottle, it is an extraordinary effort that offers the essence of graphite, blackberry liqueur, espresso, and acacia flowers, all combining into an olfactory smorgasbord for the senses. Sensationally concentrated, with sweet tannin, but neither weighty nor over the top as might be expected for a wine of such extreme richness, it is an extraordinarily