Winemaker Notes
-Wine Spectator
McLaren Vale is a bounteous basin washed by the pristine Gulf St. Vincent. Ten miles from these waters lies a hillock of 60 million-year-old sands, nicknamed "The Beach." It's actually the weathered remnant of a long-gone mountain range, revered for the earthy wholesomeness it feeds our dry-farmed 60 year-old bush vines. The rosy polished sheen of this Grenache, its blackberry and spicebox bouquet and long, intense finish, perfectly show what these ancient sands produce. Yangarra, by the way, is Aboriginal for "from the earth." And Vincent is the patron Saint of vineyards. Coincidence?
Professional Ratings
Grenache thrives in any warm, Mediterranean climate where ample sunlight allows its clusters to achieve full phenolic ripeness. While Grenache's birthplace is Spain (there called Garnacha), today it is more recognized as the key player in the red blends of the Southern Rhône, namely Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Côtes du Rhône and its villages. Somm Secret—The Italian island of Sardinia produces bold, rustic, single varietal Grenache (there called Cannonau). California, Washington and Australia have achieved found success with Grenache, both flying solo and in blends.
Known for opulent red wines with intense power and concentration, McLaren Vale is home to perhaps the most “classic” style of Australian Shiraz. Vinified on its own or in Rhône Blends, these hot-climate wines are deeply colored and high in extract with signature hints of dark chocolate and licorice. Cabernet Sauvignon is also produced in a similar style.
Whites, often made from Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc tend to be opulent and full of tropical, stone and citrus fruit.