New Release

Reviewed: 15 June 2012

The four wines from Yangarra presented the panel with a fascinating insight into the qualities that shiraz, grenache and mouvedre (mataro) can bring to a GSM blend. In this case, I was surprised to see that the grenache, albeit from a different vintage, was the grape that had the most structure, whilst the mouvedre added perfume to the blend. Ultimately, the shiraz however was my pick.

For me though, the wine of the tasting was the Mandala. This was so enjoyable that I had a glass of this with my dinner after the tasting. (It is very unusual for me to want to drink a new release red, especially on the day it was opened).

Reviewed

Mandala – Shiraz – 2010 (18). Closed on the nose right now, but excellent quality fruit is evident on the palate. This wine possesses a degree of drinkability that is unusual in a wine of this quality. This is due, in part, to the super fine and silky, though ample tannins that have been polished to the point where they merely add textural support to the high quality fruit. Whilst this will easily last for 10+ years, it is superb drinking today.

Yangarra – Shiraz – 2010 (18). Wow, this has amazing depth to the fruit. There is tar, spice, licorice, chocolate and cinnamon on the nose. Evolves in the palate for a very long time, throwing up complex flavours with time and air. This was my preference of the four wines from Yangarra and the fruit reflects the super quality of the 2010 vintage.

Shingleback – Shiraz – Red Knot – 2011 (17.8). Not a lot on the nose at first, but this opened to show plump, ripe fruit with cherry and spice. The palate is precise and focused with a core of bright red fruit. The finish is impressive for both the length and persistence. Silky tannins add to the lovely mouth-feel. Good fruit and oak combined with excellent winemaking – A bargain at $15.

Grant Burge – GSM – Holy Trinity – 2009 (17.5+). The palate here is big, rich and flooded with ripe fruit. Whilst forward, the fruit has been well managed and is in no way over ripe or over done. The palate is all about the fruit, with oak a mere whisper in the background. Quality old vine fruit is what this wine is all about, but do not expect subtlety in the short term. Enjoy anytime over the next 10 years but needs 5 years to approach its best. (Diam closure).

Alkoomi – Shiraz – 2010 (17.5). Richer fruit of substance and depth. This has coffee, tar and even slight medicinal flavours over dense and ripe fruit. It is different in style, but it is good all the same and the tannins and oak have been well managed.

Yangarra – GSM – Cadenzia – 2010 (17.5). More approachable than the straight grenache or shiraz and much juicier to boot. This is fleshy and quite delicious. The mouvedre softens the fruit whilst the grenache adds a tannic kick to the finish. With excellent balance, I suggest drinking this whilst waiting for the shiraz.

Yangarra – Mouvedre – 2010 (17.3). A pretty wine with floral fruit on the nose. The palate is soft and fleshy, making this the most approachable wine of the Yangarra quartet. As the tannins soften in the short to medium term, this will make for good drinking.

Deep Woods – Shiraz/Grenache/Mouvedre – 2010 (17.2). A very well balanced and well made wine. This has elegant fruit and winemaking that is very sympathetic to the fruit weight. Good length to a very enjoyable wine. This is an unusual grape composition for Margaret River, but it works.

Xanadu – Shiraz – 2009 (17). Sweet fruit and silky, sweet oak on the nose, this is very seductive. The palate has quite dense fruit showing licorice and plum. This is a cooler fruit style without any hint of greenness. Long, though a little linear right now, this will improve as the firm tannins soften and integrate.

Yangarra – Grenache – 2009 (17). An interesting wine showing intense coffee and bitter chocolate over dark fruits. The tannins make this very structured and taut, while the quality fruit drives the length on the finish. This is a much bigger/structured wine than I was expecting from a straight grenache and will take some time to reach its drinking window.

Devil’s Lair – Shiraz – 5th Leg – 2011 (16.8). More seductive than many here, with vibrant fruit to the fore. Fresh plum with hints of vanilla and spice from the well judged oak. Not particularly dense, but very easy to enjoy now. Value.