Yangarra Old Vine Grenache 2021 WINE OF THE YEAR Halliday companion 2024

 The Yangarra philosophy is to produce wines from our single-vineyard estate, that reflect an authentic sense of place.

The property is 170 total hectares, of which nearly 90 hectares are planted to vine. The remaining 80 hectares are preserved for native vegetation and wildlife and is intended to enhance the symbiotic relationship between the vines and their natural environment.

Yangarra’s combination of rare geologies, moderate altitude, abundant sunshine and cool evening breezes make it perfect for growing varieties that thrive in the moderate maritime Mediterranean environments.

"We are devoted to producing wines from the best grape varieties of the southern Rhone, where our old bush vine Grenache is the cornerstone variety. Yangarra Estate is planted with a number of diverse varieties, including traditional grapes like Shiraz and Roussanne to more obscure varieties such as Bourboulenc, Picpoul Noir, Clairette Blanc and Counoise. With a tendency towards experimentation, Yangarra was the first in Australia to commercially plant Grenache Blanc."

A favourable growing season, with good winter rains, a mild flowering and fruit set period and continued spring rainfall. Vines showed good balance of shoot vigour and moderate berry size. The ripening period that began late January was very cool, with some welcome rainfall in mid-February. The cold nights and mild sunny days in March slowed sugar accumulation, resulting in excellent fruit ripeness and intensity. 

The vineyard is certified Biodynamic (certification # 11587) with Australian Certified Organic. We have quite a practical approach, with our philosophy focused around healthy and alive soil, which involves no use of synthetic herbicides or fungicides, use of compost and biodynamic preparations, use of sheep in winter to graze under vine, and minimal mechanical soil disruption.

Sourced exclusively from the 17 hectares of un-irrigated bush vines planted in 1946. Hand-picked, selectively sorted in the winery. 50% whole berries retained. Wild yeast. A very gentle pump over regime during fermentation, often just wetting the cap. Time on skins during maceration varies, the majority is approximately 21 days, with a few extended to 140 days. No pressings used. The wine was matured in a mixture of older French oak puncheons and foudre, ceramic eggs and amphora. Certified Organic/Biodynamic.

"Ex 1946 Blewitt Springs bush vines planted in a deep sandy dune that Yangarra call The Beach; dry-grown, bunch-sorted, wild yeast, open fermented and basket pressed. Bright clear though deep crimson hue; scented/perfumed, and I'm gone for all money without even tasting it. And I haven't fooled myself. Except why on earth is it only $45? Its red fruit sundae glistens with dew drops on a spider's web, yet also has a savoury echo towards the finish.
99 points
The 2024 Halliday Wine Companion Wine of the Year"