Yangarra Kings Wood Shiraz 2019

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 Kings Wood Shiraz 2019 is a wine of exceptional quality, produced using the “Whole Bunch” Shiraz winemaking method since 2009. The use of whole bunches has become a signature of all their Shiraz winemaking and this wine had the opportunity to further evolve. The winery started introducing large format foudre in 2017 and a single block of Shiraz (block 12) started to show its head with a particular style that was very much suited to whole bunch and large format oak. The Whole Bunch label has evolved to become the King’s Wood, a wine that is truly expressive of type and place. The name King’s Wood is inspired by the Royal Oaks and King’s Wood forests planted by monarchs to build cathedrals and navies, representing long-term planning. The beautiful old French oak in these giant foudre vessels is perfect for schooling and gently, gradually polishing and protecting the brightest, spiciest Shiraz grown on Yangarra. The 2019 growing season was very dry, resulting in incredibly low yields. The relatively warm lead-up to the ripening period produced a very condensed and fast harvest. With Roussanne being a late ripening variety, it fared very well in a season like this, giving rise to concentration, freshness of flavor, and marked natural acidity. Sourced exclusively from Block 12, which sits on an east-facing, ironstone sandy outcrop, the grapes were hand-picked, with 25% whole bunches being retained and the remainder mechanically berry sorted. The wine underwent a cold soak and open fermentation, with wild yeast being used for fermentation. No pressings were used in this wine, and it was exclusively matured in 25hL French oak Foudre for 15 months. In the glass, the Yangarra Kings Wood Shiraz 2019 is a deep, dark ruby color, with aromas of black cherry, blackberry and spice. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, with flavors of dark fruit, chocolate and a hint of black pepper. The tannins are firm but well-integrated, and the finish is long and satisfying. A vibrant, inky deep red in the glass with some purple hues to the rim. The nose has beautifully floral plum and dark cherry that is intermingled with spice and milk chocolate. The palate is framed by driving, concentrated red berry fruits that are backed by a line of acidity that gives energy and drive; tannins are fine with a gently drying and savoury texture. The impact of oak gives a final embellishment to finish in the form of warm brown spice. Excellent length and a long future ahead. – Patrick Eckel, winereviewer.com.au, 96 Points The Finer Details Style – Red Wine Varietal – Shiraz Country – Australia Region – McLaren Vale, South Australia Vintage – 2019 Bottle Size – 750ml ABV – 14.5% Other – Organic, Biodynamic