2024 Yangarra GSM Biodynamic, McLaren Vale

Deep, bright red-purple colour with a floral, rose-petally nose that speaks of the fruit first and foremost. Intensely spicy and red fruited, with little or no oak evident, the palate full-bodied and stately with a good firm spine of tannins. A solid, full-bodied red that drinks beautifully now and will reward many years of ageing, building more detail as it matures. (Blewitt Springs) 16 Oct 2025 Drink 2026–2044

94 points Huon Hooke therealreview.com #1 of 16 2024 Grenache Blends from South Australia

Yangarra GSM Biodynamic from McLaren Vale is a beautifully fragrant, textural and quietly powerful blend that captures the essence of this iconic estate and its revered sandy soils in Blewitt Springs. Yangarra is one of Australia’s true leaders in biodynamic farming, working entirely with estate fruit and treating their old bush-vine Grenache, ironstone-etched Shiraz and savoury Mourvèdre with extraordinary attention. These deep, beach-like sands combined with cooling afternoon breezes produce fruit of lifted perfume, purity and fine tannin, giving the GSM blend an elegance and energy that sets it apart from heavier regional styles. Winemaker Peter Fraser favours whole berries, wild ferment, gentle extraction and maturation in large French foudres, amphorae and seasoned oak, a regime that preserves clarity and minerality while adding subtle layers of spice and texture.

The nose is vibrant and expressive, opening with raspberry, wild strawberry and red cherry from Grenache, followed by mulberry, plum and a hint of blueberry from Shiraz. Mourvèdre brings its signature savoury edge with notes of dried herbs, earth, pepper and a whisper of game. As the wine opens, scents of rose petal, orange zest, fennel seed, sandalwood and warm sandstone echo the complexity of the Blewitt Springs terroir.

The palate is supple, flowing and beautifully balanced. Juicy red and dark fruits glide across fine, sandy tannins, carried by lively natural acidity that keeps the wine fresh and mouthwatering. Grenache provides lift and perfume, Shiraz adds mid-palate flesh and spice, and Mourvèdre delivers structure, mineral grip and a savoury bass line. Flavours of cherry, raspberry compote, plum skin, pepper, garrigue herbs and subtle cocoa build in graceful layers. The finish is long and gently savoury, with lingering red fruit, spice and a cool mineral echo. It will evolve beautifully over six to eight years, gaining complexity and depth.

Superb with lamb kofta, chargrilled vegetables, duck with spice, mushroom ragù, wood-fired pizza, ratatouille, cassoulet, barbecued meats or hard cheeses. A slight chill enhances the aromatic lift on warm evenings.