Yangarra Ironheart Shiraz 2018

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 Ironheart Shiraz 2018 is the flagship wine from the single vineyard estate located at the northern edge of McLaren Vale. The vineyard’s cooler climate and sandy ironstone soils produce Shiraz with immense concentration and finesse, making it a wine of exceptional quality and character. The 2018 growing season was textbook, with good winter rains and favorable weather conditions during a very mild spring. The generally dry summer led to earlier expected picking dates, especially with lower than average yields. By the end of February and early March, the autumnal nights got quite cool, which really slowed down the ripening process, resulting in fruit of excellent quality. Sourced exclusively from Block 15, which lies amongst a gravelly ironstone outcrop, the grapes were hand-picked, with 25% of the whole bunches being retained and the remainder destemmed, mechanically berry sorted and crushed. 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 kept on lees in 35% new French oak and 65% older French oak for 15 months. The winery selected individual barrels that showcase the characters of the ironstone that it grows in. The wine was bottled in October 2019. In the glass, the Yangarra Ironheart Shiraz 2018 is a deep, dark purple color, with aromas of blackberry, black cherry and spice. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, with flavors of dark fruit, vanilla and a hint of black pepper. The tannins are firm but well-integrated, and the finish is long and satisfying. 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, 96 Points The Finer Details Style – Red Wine Varietal – Shiraz Country – Australia Region – McLaren Vale, South Australia Vintage – 2018 Bottle Size – 750ml ABV – 14.5% Other – Organic, Biodynamic