2021 Yangarra Shiraz

97 POINTS - HALLIDAY WINE COMPANION

TOP-RATED SHIRAZ - HALLIDAY WINE COMPANION 2024

THE STORY

Yangarra Estate Vineyard is a single-vineyard estate in Blewitt Springs, at the northern edge of McLaren Vale, South Australia. Its combination of ancient geology, elevation and Mediterranean climate provides ideal conditions for southern Rhône varieties. The Estate Shiraz is sourced from six individual blocks and offers a cooler-climate interpretation of McLaren Vale Shiraz, balancing concentration with freshness and finesse.

THE VINEYARD

The Shiraz comes from six blocks across the Yangarra estate, planted in 1999. Approximately half of the vines grow on sand and half on ironstone, over the ancient North Maslin Sands geological formation, approximately 54 million years old. These contrasting soils contribute fragrance, structure, minerality and complexity to the finished wine.

VINTAGE

The 2021 vintage benefited from good winter rainfall, mild conditions during flowering and fruit set, and continued spring rain. A particularly cool ripening period, with cold nights and mild sunny days in March, slowed sugar accumulation and allowed the fruit to develop excellent ripeness and intensity while maintaining bright natural acidity.

WINEMAKING

The fruit was destemmed and selectively sorted, with 50% whole berries retained. Fermentation occurred naturally with wild yeast in open fermenters, followed by up to 20 days on skins with very gentle extraction. No pressings were used. The wine was matured on lees for 12 months in French oak puncheons - 25% new oak, with the remainder one-to-three-year-old oak.

TASTING NOTES

Elegant yet generous, with perfumed blue and dark fruits complemented by floral notes, black pepper and subtle spice. The palate combines rich blackberry and plum with ironstone minerality and earthy complexity. Fine, dusty tannins and bright natural acidity provide structure and freshness, leading to a long, succulent and beautifully balanced finish.

Yangarra began converting to organic and biodynamic farming in 2008 and has been certified organic and biodynamic by Australian Certified Organic (ACO) since 2012.