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.
96+ Points Wine Front
Blackberry, ripe raspberry, sarsaparilla, spicy, with some sweet sawn wood top notes (though nothing overt, I might add). Powerful and firm, dusty and slightly rusty/ferrous tannin, chamomile tea mouth-perfume, maybe even a cola-nut exotic character in the mix, long and shapely, with Barolo-esque tannin to close. Feels long term. Outstanding.
96 Points The Real Review
Intense ruby colour, bright and clear throughout the glass. Wine gums, dry earth and wakame on the nose. The palate is medium in weight but full in power. Fruit sits with depth, but the tannin profile is something special in its intensity and grip. Great length, it lingers very long. Time in the cellar is highly recommended as this will age very well. If you’re a classical Châteauneuf-du-Pape fan, then this is a wine to note.
