Yangarra GSM 2022

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 2022 vintage of Yangarra GSM is 42% Grenache, 33% Shiraz, 25% Mourvèdre. Each variety was handled separately, destemmed and selectively sorted in the winery. 50% whole berries retained. Wild yeast ferment. Each variety has a unique maceration, however a unifying principle of a very gentle pump over regime, often just wetting the cap, for a minimum of 14 days. Extended maceration for some portions of Grenache. The wine was matured in a mixture of old French oak puncheons and foudre, ceramic eggs and amphora for 11 months.

A blend of 42/33/25% grenache/shiraz/mourvèdre. Gentle extraction across a variety of regimes, with some extended skin contact for parcels of grenache; matured for 11 months in a mix of older French puncheons, foudre, ceramic eggs and amphorae. This is the wine to drink while the Old Vine Grenache slumbers for a few years yet. There’s the tannin drive and savoury cast of grenache from the vintage still, but the shiraz contributes some prettier red fruits (usually the other way around, perhaps, but such seems the year). Cherry, sour plum, dried raspberry, scrubby herbs, struck iron, brown cardamom and mace. This, too, could rest for a bit before broaching, but it’s fine drinking either way. Drink by 2028. - James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion, 93 Points.