Yangarra Estate Ironheart Shiraz 2020

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 Ironheart Shiraz 2020 is a wine of exceptional quality, sourced from the single vineyard estate in Blewitt Springs at the northern edge of McLaren Vale. The vineyard's northern aspect, higher elevation and sandy ironstone soils produce Shiraz with immense concentration and finesse, making it a wine that is truly expressive of type and place. The 2020 growing season was affected by a very hot spring, leading to the lowest yields on record. However, as the grapes started their ripening process, the weather miraculously cooled to one of the mildest ripening seasons, resulting in wonderful concentration of flavor, retention of natural acidity and brightness of fruit, but above all, beautiful finesse and balanced tannins. Hand-picked on March 21st, the grapes were processed with 20% whole bunches, and the remainder was destemmed, mechanically berry sorted, with 30% whole berries and 50% crushed. The wine underwent open fermentation and was on skins for approximately 21 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 kept on lees for 16 months in 1-year-old foudre. The wine is certified organic and biodynamic. In the glass, the Yangarra Estate Ironheart Shiraz 2020 is a deep, dark purple color, with aromas of blackberry, blueberry 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.

This is an open and focused red with blackberry, cloves and dried flowers. Pencil shavings, too. Some black cherry. Medium to full body, firm and balanced, fresh and bright. Peppery. Flavorful and savory. Open for this wine already. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink or hold. - James Suckling, 95 Points

Quite a ferrous, inky number, broad shoulders but pristine in a way, definition, but a total lushness and submission to McLaren Vale’s shiraz asset and inherent personality. Chewy tannins in a slosh of choc-berry, liquorice, not-quite young portiness, kirsch and a blueberry fruitiness. Silky, also. Liqueur like finish, warm-ish, soft, slick. It’s an honest wine with plenty of smooth moves and warmth. Big puff of ripe fruit, kirsch and sweet earth in the bouquet with a whiff of warm bitumen. Does the trick, and well. - Mike Bennie, 94 Points

The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Shiraz
Country - Australia
Region - McLaren Vale, South Australia
Vintage - 2020
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 13.5%
Other - Organic, Biodynamic