Yangarra Ironheart Shiraz 2023

96 POINTS

Marcus Ellis - Halliday Wine Companion

This, the flagship shiraz, off sand and ironstone; 20% whole bunches; six months in French oak, 35% new, then 10 months in a one-year-old foudre. That new oak leaves its stamp, as does some reduction, both concealing fruit at this early stage. Although of modest alcohol, this has a slightly lavish feel, the char, spice and vanillin from quality oak giving it a gloss. It’s all deftly handled though, matched by the thrumming power of the fruit, with notes of blackberry pastille, soft licorice, freshly ground fruity coffee and rusted iron. It’s testament to the farming here that so much flavour is achieved at this ripeness and weight, and this promises to age well; just give it a year or two.

93 POINTS

Campbell Mattinson - The Wine Front

Last year I got stuck into the Yangarra grenache wines. This year it’s the shiraz. Has to be said that all the fuss is over grenache now, of which I am guilty as charged, but that Yangarra often also makes great shiraz. I love this wine and it also caused me to pause. I’ll be interested to hear what my colleagues think. It’s a meaty, bloody, black cherry-and-blackberry driven wine with earth, sweet spice, game and leather characters littered throughout. It has excellent power and also excellent tannin, the finish firm and commanding. Length is very good/excellent too. I was about to rave about this wine, courtesy of its general seductiveness, but then wondered if it was just a bit too dry and firm on the finish. My score therefore is the ultimate bet each way.