Description
Yangarra Estate is a biodynamic vineyard and winery in McLaren Vale’s Blewitt Springs, specialising in southern Rhône varieties, with estate-grown Grenache and Shiraz at its core. First planted in 1946 (High Sands Grenache vines), the vineyard spans 170 hectares, with 84 hectares of vines rooted in ancient geology. Its unique terroir, combining altitude, ironstone and sand rich soils and maritime influences produces exceptional wines. Recognised with over 250 scores of 95+ in the past decade, Yangarra has twice won Halliday Wine Companion’s Wine of the Year, top rankings on JamesSuckling.com and received a 2024 Great Wine Capitals Best of Wine Tourism Award for their new cellar door.
“Venerable vines, fastidious viticulture and cutting-edge winemaking kit. It’s a killer combination, and the reason why Yangarra is producing some of the best wines in the Vale right now.” – Max Allen, The Weekend Australian.
This cutting edge McLaren Vale producer is making delicious energetic estate grown wines from it’s biodynamic vineyards. We have been bowled over by every wine in their line up … a rare occurrence in this business!
From the winemaker: “Shiraz from our Estate vineyard adopts more of a cooler climate expression than the typical McLaren Vale style thanks to the vineyards elevation and the cooling night breezes from the nearby Southern Lofty, but retains concentration and complexity.”
About the 2023 from the winemaker: “From the old-world Rhône Syrah to the South Australian red sweetheart, Shiraz evolves once again in the sandy soils of Blewitt Springs. Sourced from six unique blocks on our elevated site, the elegant Yangarra Shiraz is shaped by its connection to the sand and ironstone soils that overlie the ancient North Maslin Sands geological formation beneath.
The growing season began with significantly higher than average rainfall. The cool, wet conditions continued through Spring, setting us up for balanced canopies and lower yields. La Niña weather patterns forecast cooler temperatures and continued rainfall for harvest. We were able to enhance vineyard practices such as shoot thinning and leaf removal to promote airflow, reduce mildew and increase sun exposure to bunches. From our experience, a cold vintage in a warm region can produce some of the best wines. Due to the cultural practices implemented, we were able to pick the majority of the vineyard in a three-week window prior to Easter, completed in early April. Wines produced from this vintage will be some of the prettiest and most delicate from the Estate.
“Sourced from six blocks within the estate. Approximately 50% on sand, 50% on ironstone. Destemmed and selectively sorted. 20% whole berries. Wild yeast ferment. Open fermenters and on skins for up to 25 days. a gentle maceration principle of wetting the cap and only draining and returning as required. No pressings were used in this wine. Èlevage on lees in predominantly older French oak puncheons and foudre for 15 months. Certified Organic / Biodynamic. Bottled August 2024.”
95 points, Ned Goodwin for JamesSuckling “Perfumed and spicy, showing aromas of wild blackberries, licorice, olive brine, boysenberries, bresaola and dark chocolate. The palate is medium- to full-bodied with finely tuned tannins and generous texture, leading into a saline-edged finish full of purity and freshness. Lovely lift beneath the dark fruit. Drink or hold. Screw cap.” Jan 2026
93+ points, Marcus Ellis, Halliday Wine Companion “As usual, from six blocks across the estate, with half from sandier soils and half more influenced by ironstone. There’s also 4% viognier in the mix. The inclusion is not unusual, but a slightly higher proportion warranted disclosure. It’s a co-ferment, so the integration is seamless. There’s a certain suave ease to this, both in fragrance and calm glide across the palate, though it sits in a mid-weight zone. Ripe red fruits more than black, warm spices, a trace of hardy herbs, the ferrous influence discreet. It’s a charming wine, undemanding in all the right ways, and, while ready to go, it should drink well over the next five years or so.”
RRP $43 *Our Special Price $29.99 when you buy 6 or more of this wine*
