"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."

97 points, Wine Advocate (February 2014)

"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!"

97 points, Wine Advocate (December 2010)