I didn’t try this Yangarra Old Vine Grenache 2019 side-by-side with the High Sands and I wish I did, as this apprentice would really take it up to the old vine master. That’s purely because this wine has an innate balance, a sense of correct acidity, tannins, and flavour working harmoniously.
Stepping back a bit, the grapes for this were handpicked, with 50% whole berries in the wild ferment. Matured in old puncheons, foudre and ceramic egg for 11 months.
When I try these Yangarra Grenache I straight away think that I must be scoring other wines too high, because these are on a higher tier. In short, it’s the Dustin Martin of Grenache. Dark cherry, a hint of BBQ lamb, the absence of oak allows the fruit to shine and then finished with thick grainy tannins and ‘right’ acidity. The balance, the easiness, the fact that the alcohol is never a thing. Well, it’s just perfect. Those thick-cut tannins! Just magnificent wine.
Best drinking: now to ten years plus. 18.7/20, 95/100. 14%, $35. Yangarra website. Would I buy it? Absolutely.
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3 Comments
Great note AG. I always love seeing these Yangarra Grenache wines come across the bench. First class and then some.
The price/quality equation on this one looks exceptional. I am about to launch a curated wine subscription box business in China and I suspect a fair bit of Grenache and blends will find their way into the mix as we grow.
Will try and hunt one of these down.
Good call on this one Andrew. First Yangarra Grenache I’ve tried and it stands heads and shoulders above others particularly at that price point ($30 in my case)
I’ve tended to find grenache a bit too light for my liking but this has a nice heft to it. Lovely nose and just a lasting finish. Funnily enough I tried Kilikanoon’s Kelly one at a tasting a few weeks back and I’d much prefer getting 4 of these for that price!