Description
This cutting edge McLaren Vale producer is making delicious energetic estate grown wines from it’s biodynamic vineyards. We were bowled over by every wine in their line up (a rare occurrence). Gnarly old bush vines planted in 1946 in Kangarilla, Mclaren Vale, handpicked, rigorous selection, sorting table, wild ferment with portion of whole bunch followed by 12 mths maturation in old French oak. This old vine grenache is seriously darn delicious! Purity of plums, dark cherries with intensity and depth of fruit more-ish complexity and minerality. Layers of earthiness, aniseed, spice, tar, roast meat are revealed on the palate after decanting…
“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.
About this wine from the winemaker. “Our Grenache bush vines are old. These gnarly strugglers were planted in 1946 in a deep sandy dune we call The Beach, overlying the North Maslin Sands geological formation. The Old Vine Grenache is a complex, perfumed and elegant wine with a trademark tannin structure.
“The 2022 growing season followed very similar conditions to 2021, though slightly cooler. There were favourable winter rains and a mild flowering and fruit set period. The cool ripening period took place between late January through to harvest in March. Yields were well balanced, and we were pleased with the fruit ripeness, intensity, freshness, and natural acidity. ”
“Sourced exclusively from the 17 hectares of un-irrigated bush vines planted in 1946. Hand-picked, selectively sorted in the winery. 50% whole berries retained. Wild yeast. A very gentle pump over regime during fermentation, often just wetting the cap. Time on skins during maceration varies, the majority is approximately 21 days, with a few extended to 140 days. No pressings used. The wine was matured in a mixture of older French oak puncheons and foudre, ceramic eggs and amphora. Certified Organic/Biodynamic.
96 pts James Halliday “Bush vines planted in 1946 on a deep sandy dune. Hand picked and sorted, with 50% whole berries for a wild ferment. Perfumed rose petals and wild strawberries, the palate bursts with energy and drive, all in the red spectrum.
Review of 2021
97 Points and Top 100 Wines of 2022 James Halliday “Ex 1946 Blewitt Springs bush vines planted in a deep sandy dune that Yangarra call The Beach; dry-grown, bunch-sorted, wild yeast, open fermented and basket pressed. Bright clear though deep crimson hue; scented/perfumed, and I’m gone for all money without even tasting it. And I haven’t fooled myself. Except why on earth is is only $45? Its red fruit sundae glistens with dew drops on a spider’s web, yet also has a savoury echo towards the finish.”
RRP $55 **Our Special Price $44.99 when you buy 6 or more of this wine**
