Yangarra Estate began planting as early as 1946 when the property was called Lalla Rookh, or ‘love nest’. These plantings included a plot of unirrigated bush vine Grenache named the High Sands vineyard. For years the fruit was sought after by local winemakers using it to improve wines from smaller holdings across Mclaren Vale.
Then in 2001 everything evolved. The American Jackson family, famous for their eclectic international winery holdings purchased Yangarra Estate Vineyard with the intention of producing world-class Grenache and Shiraz from these priceless old vines.
Jess Jackson appointed local boy Peter Fraser as winemaker. Which further cemented his vision to establish one of Australia’s greatest producers of Rhone Valley varieties.
Yangarra under Pete’s skilful guidance has continued to garnish impressive critical acclaim for its wines from the likes of James Halliday. The single vineyard estate is now farmed using biodynamic principles under the supervision of viticulturist Michael Lane.
97 Points James Suckling
Fruit off Block 31 from the highest section – 210m and the deepest sand for the 1946 planted bush vines. 50% whole berries, wild yeast and on lees in used French oak for 1 year. No need for winemaking accoutrements – a pure expression of that discrete spot. Perfectly modulated, the tannins enmeshed with the fruit from whence they came, excellent fruit yet the most savoury and earthy toned and deepest of the three Grenaches. Drink by 2034.
96+ Points Gary Walsh
This is stunning Grenache.
Beautiful fragrance here – fresh field roses, raspberry, aniseed and dried mint, almost a chocolate thing going on too. Medium bodied, gentle sweep of sweet fine grained tannin, plump red berries lend succulence, but it’s not confected or gooey in any sense. Dusty and spicy, great length of flavour, with earthy tannin grounding it and pushing it long. Incredibly good wine. Hard to choose between the 2013 and 2014. The former with maybe more length and impact, the latter all grace and charm. 96+ points, though could even twist my arm to 97. Drink 2020-2037.
