Tasting Notes From the Winery for Yangarra McLaren Vale GSM 2021

2021 GSM

Our Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvèdre blend is inspired by the traditional estate blends of the southern Rhône. The Grenache is sourced from a combination of young and old bush vines. We select the most elegant and perfumed Shiraz and add Mourvèdre for fragrance and solid tannin structure.

VINEYARD

There are 100 hectares of vineyards at Yangarra in 35 individual blocks. These vineyards are spread amongst an extra 70 hectares of creeks, native vegetation and native corridors.  Each block is defined by different aspects and subtle variations of the sand and Ironstone soils that overlie the ancient North Maslin Sands geological formation. The 2017 growing season was one of the coldest on record. We had quite a wet spring, which made shoot and bunch thinning of the utmost importance to reduce crop and ensure ample bunch exposure to sunlight. As much as we pick on sugar/acid balance, and importantly physiological characters, we also consider the biodynamic calendar where possible, with fruit days and flower days being the most desirable, and a root day avoided. The grapes were harvested in late March. As much as we pick on sugar/acid balance, and importantly physiological characters, we also consider the biodynamic calendar where possible, with fruit days and flower days being the most desirable, and a root day avoided. Our 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.

WINEMAKING

53% Grenache, 33% Shiraz, 14% Mourvèdre. Each variety handled separately. Destemmed and selectively sorted in the winery. 50% whole berries retained. Wild yeast ferment. Each variety has a unique maceration, however a unifying principle of a very gentle pump over regime for a minimum of 14 days. The wine was matured in a mixture of older French oak puncheons and foudre, ceramic eggs and amphora. Certified Organic/Biodynamic.

YANGARRA

Yangarra is a biodynamic wine farm in the northeast of the McLaren Vale region in South Australia. Our philosophy centres around producing southern Rhone varietal wines only from our single vineyard estate that are an honest reflection of this special place.

Region: Kangarilla, McLaren Vale, SA Varietal

Composition: 53% Grenache Noir, 33% Shiraz, 14% Mourvèdre

Age: Grenache: 71 year-old; Shiraz: 18-22 year-old;  Mourvèdre 13 year-old vines

Elevation: 150-210m above sea level

Viticulturalist: Michael Lane

Barrel Aging: 10 months in older French oak

Alcohol 14.0%

T.A. 5.6 g/L

pH 3.56

Winemaker: Peter Fraser

(SKU: YG_GSM_21)