Yangarra Old Vine Grenache 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:
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 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, and we were pleased with the fruit ripeness, intensity, freshness, and natural acidity.

Nose - Fragrant, Crush Raspberry, Mountain Herbs
A fragrant nose of crushed raspberry and mountain herbs.

Palate - Rose Petals, Wild Strawberries, Black Fruits
Perfumed rose petals and wild strawberries, the palate bursts with energy and drive, all in a red spectrum.

Finish - Herbal Undertones, Focused, Long Finish
Tannins are well worked to ensure that fruit stays focused and finishes long.

Bush vines planted in 1946 on a deep sandy dune. Hand-picked and sorted, with 50% whole berries for a wild ferment. Perfumed rose petals and wild strawberries, the palate bursts with energy and drive, all in a red spectrum. - James Halliday, 96 Points.

Medium intense ruby-red colour with a fragrant nose of crushed raspberry and mountain herbs. Lovely plump red and black fruits sit on entry and glide through the palate. It's light to medium in weight and still youthful with just a hint of herbal undertones. Tannins are well worked to ensure that fruit stays focused and finishes long. - Stuart Knox, The Real Review, 92 Points.

The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Grenache
Country - Australia
Region - McLaren Vale, South Australia
Vintage - 2022
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 14.5%
Other - Organic, Biodynamic