Yangarra Estate Kings Wood Shiraz 2021

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 Estate Kings Wood Shiraz 2021 is a wine of exceptional quality, sourced exclusively from Block 12 which sits on a south-east facing, ironstone sandy outcrop. The vineyard’s unique terroir, combined with meticulous winemaking practices, has resulted in a wine that is truly expressive of type and place. The name Kings Wood is inspired by the Royal Oaks of the King’s Wood forests planted by monarchs to build elegant cathedrals and church naves. The beautiful old French oak in foudre vessels helps the winery make elegant wine by gradually polishing and protecting the brightest, spiciest south-facing Shiraz grown at Yangarra. The 2021 growing season was favorable, with good winter rains, a mild flowering and fruit set period, and continued spring rainfall to ensure a healthy canopy. Yields showed good balance between vine vigor and moderate berry size. The ripening period that began late January was very cool, with some welcome rainfall in mid-February. The delayed harvest, with cold nights and mild sunny days, produced excellent fruit ripeness and intensity. The freshness and bright natural acidity of the fruit were a real feature. Sourced exclusively from Block 12, the grapes were hand-picked on March 26th, with 20% whole bunches being retained and the remainder 30% whole berries mechanically sorted and 50% crushed in open fermenters and on skins for 20 days. A gentle maceration principle of wetting the cap and only draining and returning when reductive was followed and wild yeast was used for fermentation. No pressings were used in this wine and it was exclusively matured in French Oak foudres, 50% new and 50% one and two-year-old, for 16 months. The wine is certified organic and biodynamic. In the glass, the Yangarra Estate Kings Wood Shiraz 2021 is a deep, dark ruby color, with aromas of brambly red and blueberry fruit, winter spices, liquorice and black cherry. On the palate, the wine is powerful, elegant and aromatic, with a balanced textural palate. The tannins are firm but well-integrated, and the finish is long and satisfying. Lusty, slurpy red with beefiness and sweet-sour tendencies in the nicest sense. Stains the palate thick with rich, red fruitiness, some cola and light coffee elements, touches of toast and clove. Scents like all that, big wall of it, effective in delivery of McLaren Vale shirazisms. It’s a lovely red, relishes its warm-hearted appeal, delivers concentration and many layers. It feels fine tuned too, in the sense that there’s some decent tannin licks and woody spice to show edges. Nice. – Mike Bennie, 94 Points The Finer Details Style – Red Wine Varietal – Shiraz Country – Australia Region – McLaren Vale, South Australia Vintage – 2021 Bottle Size – 750ml ABV – 13.5% Other – Organic, Biodynamic