Yangarra Estate Hickinbotham Vineyard Grenache 2022

Product Information: From a site whose slopes are steeped in rich history, we source this Grenache from unirrigated bush vines planted in 1962 on the Hickinbotham Clarendon vineyard. Its distinctive fruit is nurtured with a gentle wild fermentation and matured in grand ‘cocciopesto’ amphorae. Capturing a contrasting expression of detailed perfume and a loose knit weave of tannins. This wine has plush dense red fruit, lavender, white pepper, sour cherries atop Amaro bitters. Finessed power harnessed by crunchy tannins. 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, delivering pleasing fruit ripeness, intensity, freshness, and natural acidity. For vinification they started with hand-picked on the 19th and 22nd of March and selectively berry sorted. 100% destemmed, crushed and tipped into 1800 L ‘cocciopesto’ stone amphorae. The fermentation occurred in the amphorae, a gentle maceration of only wetting the cap. The wine remained on skins in amphora for approximately 150 days. No pressings are used in this wine. Finally it’s matured in amphora for a total of 15 months. Maker: Yangarra’s philosophy is to authentically capturing a sense of place from their single vineyard estate. The property is 170 total hectares, with close to 90 hectares to vine. The remaining 80 hectares are preserved for native vegetation and wildlife and is intended to enhance the symbiotic relationship between the vines and their natural environment. Yangarra’s benefits from its rare meso-climate which includes a moderate altitude, abundant sunshine and cool evening breezes make it perfect for growing varieties that thrive in the moderate maritime Mediterranean environments. Here they have a strong affinity to grape varieties of the southern Rhone, old bush vine Grenache is the cornerstone variety. Yangarra Estate is planted with a number of diverse varieties, including traditional grapes like Shiraz and Roussanne to more obscure varieties such as Bourboulenc, Picpoul Noir, Clairette Blanc and Counoise. With a tendency towards experimentation, Yangarra was the first in Australia to commercially plant Grenache Blanc. Through their biodynamic regenerative farming practices and sensitive winemaking philosophies their respect of this special piece of country is evident in the wines we make from its grapes – every Yangarra Estate wine is a confident reflection of this land. Vineyard: Yangarra started their organic and biodynamic journey in 2008, Yangarra Estate has been certified biodynamic and organic with ‘Australian Certified Organic’ since 2012. To achieve this they began with removing all synthetic herbicides, pesticides and fertilisers on our estate vineyard, these changes promoted a natural succession in soil and vine health. By applying biodynamic preparations in the vineyard, Yangarra have cultivated a beneficial soil microbial biomass. This is supported by their natural composting processes, which includes mulching grasses under vine back into the soil, building organic matter. By applying biodynamic principals they’ve promoted a diverse soil microbiology in which the vines grow. Finally grazing sheep through winter helps to control grasses throughout the vineyard, naturally fertilising soils and reducing compaction from tractors. Nose – Wild Strawberries, Juicy Mulberries, Cocoa Pods Raspberry, pomegranate, redcurrant, rosehip, musk, anise, dried orange peel, the fruit impeccably framed on the nose. Palate – Raspberry, Pomegranate, Amaro Bitters A millpond of mouth watering moreishness. It’s delicate and powerful, seductive and confident. Finish – Intricate, Long, Mouth-Puckering Intricate net of fine sandy tannin on the palate carrying incredibly long. It’s an exceptional release 100% destemmed and fermented in 1800 Litre stone amphorae on skins for 5 months. Matured for a further 15 months in said amphorae. If you take all the exquisite aromas of your favourite cool climate light to medium bodied red wine, you’ll most likely find most of them here. Wild strawberries, juicy mulberry, blood plums and red cherry. There is raw coffee bean, cocoa pods, rosemary flowers and lilac. Shiso leaf and gentian root. A silk sheet of dry tannins and astute acidity. A millpond of mouth watering moreishness. This is the next level Australian grenache, it’s delicate and powerful, seductive and confident. It’s drinking like a dream! Serve with crispy salt and pepper whole quail and check you are still breathing, cause you might just be in heaven. – Shanteh Wale, Winepilot, 98