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 Halliday Wine Companion
Always an exciting proposition. A transparent grenache of pixelated precision. As reminiscent of its nebbiolo brethren as it is of pinot. A shimmering red-fruited veil. Gritty, attenuated tannins derived from old vines (1946) and a long, gentle agitation in ceramic eggs. Here, a spontaneous ferment occurs across an astounding 170 days. Like biting into the juiciest raspberry that bridles the perfect edge of ripeness, before sucking on sandstone. Long is an understatement. This is among Australia’s greatest wines from the country’s finest cultivar.
95 Points Mike Bennie
Lively, energetic expression with cranberry and pomegranate juice the main features, light, fine tannins lending shape and drawing the wine long, a touch of alpine herb and botanical savouriness in the mix. Elegant, refined and on cruise control. A wine of pedigree here.
