Yangarra Ovitelli Blanc 2021

The second release of this wine. Hand-picked grenache blanc (73%) and roussanne (27%), with small portions macerated on skins for a staggering 112 to 121 days. The rest, whole-bunch pressed to ceramic eggs for fermentation under natural yeast. Culled and blended to the tune of compelling exactitude, richness and uncanny freshness, belying the overtones of stone fruit, Mirabelle plum and tea tree as much as the baritone of marzipan, truffle and pine resin. This wine marks the future in these parts, boding well for real greatness. Drink or hold. Screw cap. Points: 95/100

JS Wine Ratings ∙ 10th Aug 2023

More about palate structures than aromatics, but that’s not to say this white isn’t fragrant. It’s just a builder rather than a punch around the head, just a flow. Lemon, a little barley, some red apple Roussanne poking through. It never feels large at all, rather refined, really. There’s a flor-like phenolic line through the middle, but it remains a wine of fruit and, importantly, cascading textures. I rather like how it’s nuanced and gently creamy and wheaty. Maybe not profound, but an interesting, appley sort of drink. Hard to escape how the low acid makes this more palatable and so moreish. Points: 93/100

ozwinereview.com ∙ 10th Jul 2023

I can’t help but do a little happy dance for the savvy team behind Yangarra when I crack the seal on the Ovitelli Blanc. Grenache Blanc in capable hands – YAY. This is a blend of 73% Grenache Blanc and 27% Roussanne and it makes sense in the old country of McLaren Vale. Like anything Yangarra does, there is thought, consideration, trials and a purpose behind each decision made both in the vineyard and winery. It’s no surprise then that the fruit is handled with a portion macerated on skins for over 110 days, some batches whole bunch pressed and other elements with the finest pressure imaginable. All parts into ceramic eggs for fermentation. Sounds like a lot of work and you bet it is. However, what you are left with is a bouquet of alluring white gardenia, Cape jasmine and aloe vera gel. Star fruit, winter melon and mangosteen. All of this before a rattle of what you thought you knew of textural white wines. A lustrous and creamy palate that winds down your tongue. With hints of bee pollen, whey and almond meal, this has the force of a fighter jet with the soft wing flutter of a night owl. It’s dynamic and pristine. I’m completely enamoured. Drink with..hmmm .. geez something bloody brilliant made by someone very talented. Or perhaps the sweetest scallop nigiri placed at room temperature in your hand by the Sushi master. Points: 96/100

winepilot.com ∙ 9th Jun 2023

Wonderfully textural with a faint minerally vibe, this Ovetelli Blanc is making quite a name for itself. A blend of Grenache Blanc and Roussanne (73/27), separate parcels were fermented on skins in ceramic eggs for 112 to 121 days, some of which were whole bunch pressed. The lightest pressings were kept for consideration in the final blend. All up, 43% of the wine saw skin contact. A pretty opening of little white flowers, quince, raw cashews, pears and lemons rind get you in the mood. It's considered and wonderfully weighted. Some pie apple, a touch of mandarin peel, preserved lemon, and pastry all add detail. But that texture - big love! I could sip and consider that texture endlessly. Pears swoop late with a delicate and sustained ginger spice. That length just seems never ending showing all its class. Autumn sunsets or in a glass beside some steamed fish, either way, you win. Points: 94/100

Halliday Wine Companion ∙ 17th May 2023

White cherry, pear, honey and nuts, cornflakes, white flower perfume, cut fennel. It’s quite fleshy and juicy, all nashi pear and honey nut, a gentle stony grip to tannin, some pepper and almond creaminess. It’s got plenty of weight and flavour, and maybe comes over a little sweet and with some candied lemon peel, with a waxy and textured finish of good length, albeit just a little flaccid. Good though. Lots of interest. Points: 93/100

The Wine Front ∙ 12th May 2023

Light bright green-yellow; fresh but savoury aromas, elusive cedar, white-pepper and almond-meal traces, the palate very dry and crisp, and finishes with a peppery aftertaste. Intense and long-lasting, and one senses it could even age happily, rewarding some cellaring. Impressive wine. Points: 94/100

The Real Review ∙ 18th Jan 2023

The aromas of honeydew melon and lemons are beautiful here, with a touch of floral from lilacs. Medium to full body with a creamy texture and a complex salty, white pepper and green mango after taste. Bitter lemon, too. Made in ceramic vessels. No wood. 73% grenache blanc and 27% roussane. Drink now. Screw cap. Points: 94/100

jamessuckling.com ∙ 13th Oct 2022