Yangarra Roussanne 2021
Yangarra are one of the country's leaders in producing the varieties from the Rhone Valley.
Case in point being this excellent single varietal bottling of Roussanne. It is widely considered one of Australia's finest examples of what the variety is capable of.
The fruit is all biodynamically grown and picked by hand, with only 60% of juice pressed. It's fermented with wild yeasts, and left for 7 months on lees in barrel where it undergoes further stirring for added texture and complexity.
An organically grown high-quality example of this popular Rhone white variety. Textural and highly drinkable.
Yangarra Estate Hickinbotham Clarendon Grenache 2019
Our first release of this wine and the only wine we make that is not sourced from the Yangarra Estate. We felt with Grenache being our specialty that this small plot (0.9 ha) of Grenache planted in 1962 is incredibly well-suited to our portfolio of single block wines. Hand-picked on the 9th of March and mechanically berry sorted, 100% destemmed, crushed and then tipped into 1800 L ‘cocciopesto’ stone egg-shaped amphoras. The fermentation occurred in the amphoras, with a gentle maceration of only wetting the cap, and remained on skins for 90 days. No pressings are used in this wine. Matured exclusively in the amphora for a further 8 months.
Hand-picked fruit is destemmed and fermented in 1800L egg-shaped amphorae, remaining on skins for 90 days. It then remains in the amphorae for a further 8 months. The resulting Grenache adds another exceptional expression to Yangarra’s stable. It holds great fruit purity and intensity, concentration, and a refreshing line of acidity.
Yangarra Noir 2021
Grenache is the emerging hero variety of McLaren Vale. Traditional blends of Grenache from the region focused on the varieties Grenache (G), Shiraz (S) and Mourvedre (M), and thus the term GSM. For many years in the old-world Grenache had many more blending partners. In France, namely the Sourthern Rhone, it can be blended with Cinsaut, Counouise, Picpoul Noir, Muscardin. In Priorat Spain, with Carignan. We started planting some of these obscure Southern Rhone and Priorat varieties in 2008 which has culminated in our first Noir blend being produced.
Many of these varieties, including Grenache, have a blanc (white), gris (grey) and noir (black) expression of the variety, which lead to calling this the Noir. Kept on lees in 100% older French oak for 6 months after fermentation.
VARIETY: 45% Grenache, 19% Mourvédre, 19% Carignan, 12% Shiraz, 4% Cinsaut, 1% Counoise
"A bright assemblage of fresh red-fruit aromas and flavors with crisp, easygoing texture and a neat, succulent finish. 62% grenache, 15% shiraz, 12% mourvedre, 6% carignan, 3% cinsault and 2% counoise. Drink now. Screw cap." - 91 points, James Suckling
Yangarra Estate High Sands Grenache 2019
Sourced exclusively from our special Block 31 (1.7 Ha). At 210m elevation, this is the highest section of the 1946 planted bush vine Grenache, which also has the deepest sandy soil. Our small yields were hand-picked 6th of March and mechanically sorted. 50% whole berries were destemmed and placed in open fermenters, with a long, gentle maceration for a minimum of 21 days. Wild yeast ferment. No pressings are used in this wine. Matured on lees in older large French oak and ceramic eggs for 11 months. Bottled March 2020.
On the palate, it reveals a perfumed, powerful and pristine with vibrant red berry fruit. Cherries, rose petal, clove, white spice, pomegranate seeds. Complex minerality with elegant, sculpted tannins.
Pairs well with kangaroo tartare, all spice, parsley, lemon, chilli, free range egg and potato crisps or Roast duck with cherries
Yangarra Estate IronHeart Shiraz 2019
Sourced exclusively from Block 15 (1.8 Ha), which lies amongst a north facing gravelly ironstone outcrop where the North Maslin Sand geology comes to the surface. Hand-picked (29th March), 25% whole bunches and the remainder has been destemmed, mechanical berry sorted and crushed. Open fermenters and on skins for 16 days. A gentle maceration principle of wetting the cap and only draining and returning when reductive. Wild yeast ferment. No pressings are used in this wine. Kept on lees in 35% new French oak puncheons, 65% older French oak Puncheons for 9 months. We selected individual barrels which were blended and further matured for 7 months in a 2-year-old French 25hL foudre. Bottled September 2020.
On the palate, it reveals intense and graceful with savoury oak tannins framing complex layers of bright fruit – blackcurrant pastilles, plum, blueberry, leather.
Pairs well with steak with Heirloom tomatoes, slow roasted onion and red wine jus or Barbequed spareribs
First Drop Mother’s Ruin McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
This well balanced expression of McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon is an ode to the ‘luncheon claret’, but it’s not as green and austere as the favourite lunchtime libation at the gentleman’s club. The fruit is from a vineyard with good breeding in the foothills and the resulting wine has been made in a fruit driven style this vintage. It has classic First Drop drinkability, so bottoms up!
Colour: Dark plum
Nose: Cassis and plum fruit flavours with hints of eucalyptus and florals
Palate: Black fruits with a round mid palate, an elegant core of tannins and a textured finish.
"Dense wild blackberry, maraschino cherry and huckleberry flavors are at the core, with toothsome tannins and a juicy thread. The aromatics here stand out—sarsaparilla, palo santo and clove, dark chocolate and spicy cigar box notes that linger on the expressive finish. Drink now through 2036. 2,000 cases made, 500 cases imported." - 92 points, MaryAnn Worobiec, Senior Editor and Napa Bureau Chief at Wine Spectator
Yangarra Roux Beaute Roussanne 2019
The 2019 growing season was very dry, which resulted in incredibly low yields. We had a relatively warm lead up to the ripening period, which produced a very condensed and fast harvest. With Roussanne being a late ripening variety, it faired very well in a season like this, giving rise to concentration, freshness of flavor and marked natural acidity.
Hand-picked from Block 6 (1.0 ha) on March 16th, our oldest Roussanne planting which is now 15 years old. 50% is destemmed, crushed, and filled to 675L ceramic eggs, where it is fermented and remains on the skins for 193 days. The other 50% is pressed into ceramic eggs and fermented off of the skins. The final blend was 40% extended skin batch and 60% without skin contact. The final blend was 40% extended skin batch and 60% without skin contact. Bottled November 2019.
“This is a rich white, showing impressive structure and plenty of ripe lemon, pear, peach and mangosteen with some savory pastry-like notes, too. The palate has a tangy edge and smooth-toned phenolics carrying plenty of flavor. From organically grown grapes. Drink over the next six years.” – 94 points, Nick Stock at James Suckling
Yangarra Estate King’s Wood Shiraz 2019
Royal Oaks and King’s Wood were forests planted by monarchs to build cathedrals and navies.
The wine is exclusively matured in 25hL French oak Foudre for 15 months. No pressings.
"Rich dark plums, blueberries and blackberries with some olive, forest-wood and dark-stony elements, too. Impressive depth on the palate with dark fruit laced with spices. Such rich fruit with appealing, drinkable style. The calling card of shiraz in this region." - 95 points, James Suckling
“Incredibly vibrant deep purple colour in the glass. Subdued nose, dark loam and black fruits lurk with intent. Remarkable poise for such a young wine, dark fruits, blood and ironstone all meld seamlessly. Full of palate yet has a feeling of compression from acid and tannin so it pushes very deep and long. Time will provide even further layers and complexity.” - Stuart Knox; The Real Review
Yangarra Estate Ironheart Shiraz 2018
Ironheart is the flagship Shiraz from our single vineyard estate at the northern edge of McLaren Vale.
The wine was kept on lees in 35% new French oak, 65% older French oak for 15 months. Each barrel was carefully selected to ensure it showcases the characters of the ironstone that it grows in.
"Squid-ink-purple colour, scents of plush boysenberry, balsamic flowers and coffee. A rush of flavour, sweet red and black cherries, bacon fat, dried herbs and vanilla bean cradled by a full-body with svelte tannins. Showcasing flavour concentration, depth, opulence and long persistence to finish." Amanda Yallop, The Real Review.