Yangarra Ironheart Shiraz 2020

Yangarra’s McLaren Vale Shiraz releases just keep getting better and better. This Yangarra Ironheart Shiraz 2020 is the top Shiraz cuvee and includes 20% whole bunches and matured for 16 months in a one-year-old foudre (TA 5.4g/L pH 3.67 if you’re number-watching). Purple red and so vital. How do they get such generosity at 13.5%? Also, how much does biodynamic viticulture play in achieving such flavour at lower alcohols? Cullen enjoys the same advantage. Background coffee oak and violets on the nose but it remains a wine of fruit, with this grainy plummy open palate of such generosity without warmth. There is this iodine/savoury line here too. Is it that much better than the fantastic (and cheaper) Kings Wood? That’s the only question. Still a fantastic wine. Points: 95/100

ozwinereview ∙ 15th Aug 2023

Hand picked and fermented in open-tops replete with 30% whole berries, albeit, no bunches; 21 days on skins. Blackcurrant, raspberry, mint, anise and lilac. No aggressive punch downs or pump overs. This is a refined wine boasting a meander of sinewy tannins, like a songline across the palate. It doesn't play any cards not dealt, the inherent freshness derived from organic principles and impeccable fruit quality, glimpsing a southern Rhône-style, despite the variety. Points: 95/100

Halliday Wine Companion ∙ 27th Jun 2023

A truly impressive release that is at the upper echelon of 2020 releases; there is a prettiness to the wine yet it unravels with layers of interest and structure. Aromatics of black cherry and plum with floral violets and a dusting of spice; cured meats and charcuterie in the background. The palate continues with its rhone stylings with a leather and earth thread to dark berry fruits that oscillate between floral and savoury in the same sip. Incredible length to finish. Points: 97/100

winereviewer.com.au ∙ 12th May 2023

If you are drinking this Yangarra Estate Ironheart then you are zeroing in on the apex of McLaren Vale Shiraz. It's always a superbly crafted wine and this 2020 release is no different. Made with 20% whole bunches, 30% whole berries and 50% crushed, it underwent wild yeast fermentation and sat on lees for 16 months in large format one year old French oak. A flurry of baked berry pie and blueberry aromas race from the glass. Silky, it glides along with melted chocolate like feels. Earthy tones and some minerality weave their way into the fabric of the delicately spiced dark berries and plums. A flash of mocha adds detail as do whispers of oak but they are integrated cleverly at this early stage. Long and super sophisticated, this is a classy McLaren Vale Shiraz. Decant to enjoy now but this will cellar beyond a decade. Points: 95/100

qwinereviews ∙ 1st May 2023

Quite a ferrous, inky number, broad shoulders but pristine in a way, definition, but a total lushness and submission to McLaren Vale’s shiraz asset and inherent personality. Chewy tannins in a slosh of choc-berry, liquorice, not-quite young portiness, kirsch and a blueberry fruitiness. Silky, also. Liqueur like finish, warm-ish, soft, slick. It’s an honest wine with plenty of smooth moves and warmth. Big puff of ripe fruit, kirsch and sweet earth in the bouquet with a whiff of warm bitumen. Does the trick, and well. Points: 94/100

The Wine Front ∙ 23rd Apr 2023

Ruby red and very youthful in the glass. Heady, dark fruited aromas of mulberry and plum intertwined with licorice, sweet spice and clovey oak. Plush and mouth-filling. There’s real power and presence in the dark fruited richness, balanced out nicely by textured, structured tannins and spot-on acidity. A wine of power, presence and lovely balance. Points: 95/100

The Real Review ∙ 21st Jan 2023

This is an open and focused red with blackberry, cloves and dried flowers. Pencil shavings, too. Some black cherry. Medium to full body, firm and balanced, fresh and bright. Peppery. Flavorful and savory. Open for this wine already. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink or hold. Screw cap. Points: 95/100

jamessuckling.com ∙ 13th Oct 2022