2024 Old Vine Grenache

Region Notes

Yangarra is a single-vineyard estate situated in Blewitt Springs, at the northern edge of the McLaren Vale region, South Australia. Yangarra’s combination of ancient geology, high altitude and Mediterranean climate provide the ideal growing conditions for the best grape varieties of the southern Rhône.

Vinification

Sourced exclusively from 13.3 hectares of un-irrigated bush vines planted in 1946. Hand-picked in mid-March, selectively sorted in the winery. Gently destemmed with 50% crushed, 50% whole berries retained. Wild yeast fermentation in stainless steel. A very gentle pump over regime, often just wetting the cap. Some extended macerating up to 2 and a half months to polish the tannins. No pressings used. Maturation in a mixture of old Austrian and French oak foudre and puncheons, ceramic egg and amphora. Bottled February 2025. Certified organic and biodynamic.

Vintage Notes

A normal wet winter was followed by a picturesque dry spring. The long range weather patterns indicated a shift from La Niña towards El Niño, which favours drier and hotter conditions. In these warmer seasons, we adjust our practices to encourage slightly higher yields and more canopy cover. However, the unexpected summer rainfall in December and January presented a unique challenge, resulting in larger bunches and berry development. Warm conditions prevailed through February and early March, promoting ripening of flavours and sugars with the balance we were aiming for. The warmth led to an intense couple of weeks, during which we harvested the majority of the grapes.

" Remarkable purity and perfume with a fruit-driven, savory and herbal edge. Aromas of red and black berries, pomegranate, red licorice, citrus peel and earth. The textural, rounded palate shows firmly framed yet silken tannins and generous fruit that bring the wine together beautifully. An excellent release. Outstanding value. Made from dry-grown vines planted in 1946. Drink or hold. Screw cap. "

96 Points, James Suckling

From the estate’s 13-odd hectares of 1946-planted dry-grown bush vines. It’s a precious resource and is treated as such. The making is quiet: half crushed, half whole berries, gentle pump-overs, some long maceration to detail tannins, then old foudre, puncheons, ceramic eggs and amphorae. There’s a more generous feel to this release, with the year a tad warmer. Wild raspberry, ripe Bing cherry, warm terracotta, fading roses, fennel seeds and caraway. It’s a wine of intensity and grace, with the old vines yielding a silky charm to the feel and flavour intensity, with a finish of considerable verve and stylishly etched tannins. The last three releases are all so different, and all of the highest order.

Marcus Ellis - 95+ Halliday Wine Companion 17 February 2026