2021 Yangarra GSM Biodynamic, McLaren Vale

A single-vineyard Blewitt Springs blend of 53/33/14% grenache/shiraz/mourvèdre. Planted on sand and ironstone soils, the grenache hand picked from bush vines planted in 1946. This is a serious GSM in every way. It's very intense and complex, but it's also seamless and composed, with an orchestra of flavours at its disposal. If this were made in the Rhône, Robert Parker et al. would be going nuts, amongst other things extolling its longevity. As it is, the price here is almost impossible to understand. Black, red and blue berries with spices from Asia and South America.

97 points Special Value ✪ James Halliday winecompanion.com.au

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 recognized as one of Young Gun of Wines' 2022 Top 50 Vineyards in Australia.

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 Yangarra GSM 2021 is a stunning blend of Grenache, Shiraz, and Mourvèdre that is inspired by the traditional estate blends of the southern Rhône. The Grenache is sourced from a combination of young and old bush vines, while the most elegant and perfumed Shiraz is selected and Mourvèdre is added for fragrance and solid tannin structure. The 2021 growing season was favourable, with good winter rains, a mild flowering and fruit set period and continued spring rainfall. The vines showed a good balance of shoot vigor 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. Each variety was handled separately, with destemming and selective sorting taking place in the winery. 50% of the whole berries were retained and the wine underwent wild yeast fermentation. Each variety had a unique maceration, but a unifying principle of a very gentle pump over regime for a minimum of 14 days was followed. The wine was matured in a mixture of older French oak puncheons and foudre, ceramic eggs, and amphora, resulting in a wine that is complex and nuanced. In the glass, the Yangarra GSM 2021 is a deep ruby red color, with aromas of dark fruit, black pepper and spice. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, with flavors of blackberry, cassis and plum. The wine's tannins are firm but well-integrated, and the finish is long and satisfying.