2018 Yangarra Ironheart Shiraz

The flagship Shiraz release from Yangarra. In this case flagship is a title that others rightfully give this wine as it is one of the most compelling and complete examples of McLaren Vale Shiraz you will find. 

In terms of winemaking technique there was 25% whole bunches in the ferment, with the remainder de-stemmed and crushed. The wine was on skins for 16 days, with pump overs when necessary. The wine was kept on lees during maturation for 9 months (32% new oak). Individual barrels were then selected to be blended and matured for a further 8 months in a large 2500 ltr 1 year old French foudre.

The wine is an inky deep red to purple, with a nose that gives a nod to the rhone with dark berry fruits lifted by white pepper, graphite and understated earth. The palate is layered, and complete with oak and tannin giving a masterful backdrop for concentrated, yet nuanced plum and black cherry fruit to shine; earth and dark chocolate frame with mid palate before the finish sees expansive dark fruits that are etched with spice and a pull of savoury texture. 

I can see what all the fuss is about.