Yangarra Estate Kings Wood Shiraz 2022

Product Information: The 2022 Yangarra Old Vine Grenache looks just as good as the 2021 which happened to earn the honour of 2024 Wine Companion Red Wine of the Year. Already boasting 96 Points from James Halliday, the 2022 Yangarra Old Vine Grenache 17 hectares these bush vines were planted in a deep sandy dune that Yangarra call ‘The Beach’; dry-grown, bunch-sorted, wild yeast, open fermented and basket pressed. Perfumed rose petals and wild strawberries, the palate bursts with energy and drive, all in a red spectrum. – James Halliday, The Weekend Australian. The Yangarra Old Vine Grenache is a stunning example of the winery’s commitment to producing complex, perfumed and elegant wines with a trademark tannin structure. Sourced exclusively from the 17 hectares of un-irrigated bush vines planted in 1946, this wine is a true representation of the terroir. Hand-picked and selectively sorted in the winery, 50% of the whole berries are retained and wild yeast is used for fermentation. A very gentle pump over regime is employed during fermentation, often just wetting the cap. Time on skins during maceration varies, with the majority being approximately 21 days and a few extended to 140 days. No pressings are used, resulting in a wine that is pure and unadulterated. The wine is matured in a mixture of older French oak puncheons and foudre, ceramic eggs and amphora, providing a subtle influence of oak that complements the fruit. Certified Organic/Biodynamic, this wine is a testament to the winery’s commitment to sustainable farming practices. Maker: 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 recognised as one of Young Gun of Wines’ 2022 Top 50 Vineyards in Australia. Vineyard: 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, very pleasing fruit ripeness, intensity, freshness, and natural acidity. Nose – Grilled Meats, Cloves, Lilacs orthern Rhône-like scents of grilled meats, cloves, lilacs and Damson plums. Palate – Spicy Framework, Salted Olives, Black Berries Despite the full body, the wine is almost ethereal in the best sense, making for effortless drinking despite the profundity in the glass. Finish – Terracotta Earthiness, Firm Tannins, Balanced The wine is intense and powerful, with a good backing of firm tannins which harmonise well, the finish long and balanced. This is about as fine as shiraz can get in the Vale, boasting filigreed tannins and such a natural sense of freshness that it whets the palate and makes one hungry at first sip. Northern Rhône-like scents of grilled meats, cloves, lilacs and Damson plums. A gentle cascade across the spicy framework to a long, immensely refined finish. All foudres vats, Austrian and French. Despite the full body, the wine is almost ethereal in the best sense, making for effortless drinking despite the profundity in the glass. This has such delicacy and cooler climatic tension to it that it is truly startling. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink or hold. Screw cap. – Ned Goodwin, JamesSuckling.com, 96 Points. Deep and bright red-purple colour; the bouquet has a patina of meaty reduction at first, then terracotta earthiness, nicely ripe berry and plum aromas with it. The wine is intense and powerful, with a good backing of firm tannins which harmonise well, the finish long and balanced. Good now and has potential for the future. – Huon Hooke, The Real Review, 95 Points. I love the firmness of this. I love the fruit, the wealth of it. I love how it’s essentially berried but there’s also a kick of salted olives, and that while there are both floral and woodsmoke characters, it’s all tucked in nicely; nothing is excessive or overt; it’s both flavoursome and discreet at once. It’s an excellent McLaren Vale shiraz. Red and black berries, spread, run, dryness, many