Former biochemist Roman Bratasiuk, of Clarendon Hills in McLaren Vale, completely broke the mould during the 1990s. The Australian Wine Show system, through its awarding of trophies and gold medals, championed a narrow style range. The release of the 1996 Astralis (the 1994 vintage was the first Australian wine to be released at over $100 a bottle) provoked debate and derision among Australian wine show judges and commentators.
the 1994 vintage was the first Australian wine to be released at over $100 a bottle.
An intensely concentrated single-vineyard wine from 35- to 75-year-old vines, its exotic, funky edge challenged the established status quo. Robert Parker, the American wine critic, loved the wine and propelled Clarendon Hills Astralis to celebrity, but it would take a while before Australians followed. The success of this wine, and others, like the 1996 Three Rivers (Chris Ringland Shiraz), inspired many new winemakers to try to make something special or unique.
