Winemaker Notes
The fruit was hand-picked, and 25% whole bunches retained. Theremaining fruit was destemmed and mechanically sorted. Five daycold soak at approximately 10 degrees. Open fermenters were used,wild yeast ferment. Plunging and some gentle délestage occurred duringfermentation. The wine was kept on yeast lees in 35% new French oak and65% older French oak for 18 months. We have selected individual barrelsthat showcase the characters of the ironstone that the vine grows in.Certified organic/biodynamic.
Critical Acclaim
All VintagesI was thoroughly impressed by the opulent and layered texture of the 2016 Ironheart Shiraz, a wine that in previous vintages has sometimes seemed more about structure than pleasure. It starts off with scents of cedar, menthol, plums and baking spices, then eases into a full-bodied, plush, velvety palate that delivers waves of ripe black cherries. Deep and long, it's a terrific example of McLaren Vale Shiraz that should drink well for 10-15 years.
From a high elevation site with sandy, ironstone soils—and from a terrific vintage—this Shiraz is unlike many of its South Aussie counterparts. There are sanguine and graphite notes amid the broody black cherry, plum and vanilla aromas, plus a raw power that’s exhilarating. Alongside the muscle there’s also exceptional poise, balance and complexity. Chalky, precise tannins weave together the silky fruit. Drink 2022–2040.
Yangarra Estate Vineyard is a biodynamic wine farm located in the Blewitt Springs district of McLaren Vale, South Australia. The estate was first planted in 1946 and is home to 87 hectares of vines, led by Grenache and Shiraz. Located a 40-minute drive south of Adelaide, the McLaren Vale winegrowing region has a Mediterranean climate, characterized by warm, dry summers with cool, wet winters.
Peter Fraser has been the winemaker and driving force behind Yangarra Estate Vineyard since 2000. Peter focuses much of his attention on the vineyards. When it comes to winemaking philosophy, Peter stands by some key foundations of sensitivity and attention-to-detail. Peter was named ‘Winemaker of the Year’ by James Halliday’s Wine Companion Awards. In 2018, he was nominated as Best Winemaker by Wine Enthusiast Magazine.
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.
Marked by an unmistakable deep purple hue and savory aromatics, Syrah makes an intense, powerful and often age-worthy red. Native to the Northern Rhône, Syrah achieves its maximum potential in the steep village of Hermitage and plays an important component in the Red Rhône Blends of the south, adding color and structure to Grenache and Mourvèdre. Syrah is the most widely planted grape of Australia and is important in California and Washington. Sommelier Secret—Such a synergy these three create together, the Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre trio often takes on the shorthand term, “GSM.”