Yangarra Shiraz 2021

Yangarra Estate is a renowned biodynamic wine farm located in the picturesque McLaren Vale region of South Australia. The winery prides itself on producing exceptional wines solely from its single-vineyard estate, which is dedicated to cultivating the finest grape varieties of the southern Rhone. The unique combination of rare geologies, moderate altitude, abundant sunshine, and cool evening breezes at Yangarra make it an ideal location for growing varieties that thrive in moderate maritime environments. The Yangarra High Sands Vineyard is a source of pride for the estate, having been recognized as one of Young Gun of Wines' 2022 Top 50 Vineyards in Australia.

Yangarra is an exceptional single-vineyard estate located in the esteemed Blewitt Springs subregion, situated at the northern edge of the McLaren Vale region in South Australia. The vineyard's unique combination of ancient geology, high altitude, and Mediterranean climate provides the perfect environment for cultivating the finest grape varieties of the southern Rhône. The estate's dedication to sustainable farming practices, including organic and biodynamic farming, ensures that the fruit is of the highest quality and truly reflects the terroir. The resulting wines are complex, elegant and expressive, showcasing the unique characteristics of the vineyard. Yangarra's commitment to producing exceptional wines solely from its single-vineyard estate has earned it a reputation as one of Australia's premier wineries. With a focus on Grenache and other Rhône varieties, the winery is dedicated to producing wines that are a true expression of the terroir. The wines are crafted with minimal intervention, allowing the fruit to shine through and speak for itself.

The Yangarra Shiraz is a testament to the unique terroir of Blewitt Springs and the meticulous winemaking practices of the Yangarra estate. With its origins in the southern Rhône, this Shiraz has evolved to showcase the best of South Australian reds. Sourced from six distinct blocks on the elevated site, this wine is shaped by the sandy soils and ironstone that overlay the ancient North Maslin Sands geological formation. The intage was marked by a hot spring that led to record-low yields. However, the weather miraculously cooled during the ripening season, resulting in a wine with wonderful concentration of flavour, natural acidity, and brightness of fruit. The finesse and balanced tannins of the Yangarra Shiraz are a testament to the winemaking team's dedication to quality. The wine was fermented with wild yeast in open fermenters and on skins for up to 20 days. A gentle maceration principle was used to wet the cap and only drain and return when reductive. No pressings were used in this wine, ensuring a pure expression of the fruit. The wine was then aged on lees in 1 to 3-year French oak puncheons for 7 months before being blended to older 45hL foudre for a further 7 months. In the glass, the Yangarra Shiraz is a deep ruby red with aromas of blackberry, plum and spice. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied with flavors of dark fruit, chocolate and a hint of vanilla. The tannins are firm but well-integrated, providing a long, satisfying finish. This is a wine that can be enjoyed now or cellared for several years to come. The Yangarra Shiraz is a beautifully crafted wine that showcases the unique terroir and winemaking practices of the Yangarra estate.

From the Blewitt Springs single-vineyard estate on sand and ironstone soils. It wasn't entirely a surprise that McLaren Vale's first-among-equals winery should have made this gorgeously succulent wine, but I couldn't help but consulting the thesaurus to be sure 'succulent' covered the field. The entry reads: 'juicy, moist, luscious, soft, tender, mouth-watering, appetising, flavoursome, tasty, delicious. - James Halliday, 97 Points

The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Shiraz
Country - Australia
Region - McLaren Vale, South Australia
Vintage - 2021
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 14%
Other - Organic, Biodynamic