Yangarra King's Wood Shiraz 2022

It smells lovely. There’s this choc hazelnut generosity here that you’d at first think was an oak character, but it’s more than that – it’s a textural roundness, which is quite a contrast to the tangy, indeed spicy Shiraz character underneath. It’s still a plush, purple wine but more Blewitt Springs moody red than a plump and fleshy thing from the warm southern end of the Vale, if you like. And I like it a lot, even if its probably not as obviously seductive as some vintages. High-quality stuff. Points: 94/100

Australian Wine & Drinks Review ∙ 24th Jul 2024

The winemaking approach follows similar lines to that used for Yangarra’s grenache. It also gets 18 months in a mix of Austrian and French oak with six months on lees in foudres. It is brilliant and so bright with a high energy palate that penetrates to a very long finish. Exquisitely balanced and poised with the fruit and structure for extended cellaring. Points: 96/100

Wine Pilot ∙ 30th May 2024

I love the firmness of this. I love the fruit, the wealth of it. I love how it’s essentially berried but there’s also a kick of salted olives, and that while there are both floral and woodsmoke characters, it’s all tucked in nicely; nothing is excessive or overt; it’s both flavoursome and discreet at once. It’s an excellent McLaren Vale shiraz. Red and black berries, spread, run, dryness, many things. Points: 93/100

The Wine Front ∙ 28th May 2024

15% whole bunch and on skins for 20 days. Matured in French and Austrian oak for 18 months. On lees for 6 months island in foudre for an additional 12 months. Fluorescent in beetroot tones in the glass. Hawthorn, blackcurrant and kalamata olive brine. Allspice and juniper. A trio of peppercorns, black truffle and potting soil. A stony character to the fine gritty tannins and elongated acidity line. So youthful you’ll check the vintage multiple times. This is bright and fresh now but will age gracefully with that perky black fruit spectrum. Give it another 4-8 years in the cellar. A wonderful wine to serve with medium rare steak, something with a bit of chew. Points: 94/100

Wine Pilot ∙ 23rd May 2024

15% whole bunch and on skins for 20 days. Matured in French and Austrian oak for 18 months. On lees for 6 months island in foudre for an additional 12 months. Fluorescent in beetroot tones in the glass. Hawthorn, blackcurrant and kalamata olive brine. Allspice and juniper. A trio of peppercorns, black truffle and potting soil. A stony character to the fine gritty tannins and elongated acidity line. So youthful you’ll check the vintage multiple times. This is bright and fresh now but will age gracefully with that perky black fruit spectrum. Give it another 4-8 years in the cellar. A wonderful wine to serve with medium rare steak, something with a bit of chew. Points: 94/100

Wine Pilot ∙ 17th May 2024

From Block 12 on a southeast-facing sandy ironstone outcrop; 15% whole bunches, the rest crushed; matured in French and Austrian foudre for 18 months. A very Rhône-like release this, with peppery spicing, blackberry pastille, moody blue florals, lavender, blueberry, cocoa powder and freshly ground star anise. The elegance here is admirable, with a tannin drive from front to back, and no sweet spot. A very fine release. Points: 95/100

Halliday Wine Companion ∙ 5th May 2024

From Block 12 on a southeast-facing sandy ironstone outcrop; 15% whole bunches, the rest crushed; matured in French and Austrian foudre for 18 months. A very Rhône-like release this, with peppery spicing, blackberry pastille, moody blue florals, lavender, blueberry, cocoa powder and freshly ground star anise. The elegance here is admirable, with a tannin drive from front to back, and no sweet spot. A very fine release. Points: 95/100

James Halliday Wine Companion 2025, 7 August, 2024 ∙ 30th Apr 2024

Deep and bright red-purple colour; the bouquet has a patina of meaty reduction at first, then terracotta earthiness, nicely ripe berry and plum aromas with it. The wine is intense and powerful, with a good backing of firm tannins which harmonise well, the finish long and balanced. Good now and has potential for the future. Points: 95/100

The Real Review ∙ 15th Mar 2024

This is about as fine as shiraz can get in the Vale, boasting filigreed tannins and such a natural sense of freshness that it whets the palate and makes one hungry at first sip. Northern Rhône-like scents of grilled meats, cloves, lilacs and Damson plums. A gentle cascade across the spicy framework to a long, immensely refined finish. All foudres vats, Austrian and French. Despite the full body, the wine is almost ethereal in the best sense, making for effortless drinking despite the profundity in the glass. This has such delicacy and cooler climatic tension to it that it is truly startling. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink or hold. Screw cap. Points: 97/100

JamesSuckling.com ∙ 13th Feb 2024